The 3-2-1 protocol can be used in many different ways, and it can be manipulated to fit one's needs.

It works as an exit ticket to review content, it can be used in place of a worksheet for an assigned reading, etc. The benefit of this strategy is that is requires students to summarize their learning, practice questioning techniques, and push their thinking beyond recall.

A teacher can quickly see how students are consuming information through the use of this protocol.

Kelly Gallagher's (2004) "What Does It Say, What Does It Mean, What Does It Matter" pushes student thinking. It requires them to move from surface level thinking to deeper thinking on a topic.

The 4 As protocol requires students to examine a text by exploring Assumptions, Aspirations, Agreements, and Arguments.