Choose an Action and Make a Plan
STOP CHECK: Students have already come so far… They have found a group of like minded peers and selected an environmental issue that is important to them, even if they had to compromise somewhat. They have done some research on that issue and are now at the stage where they need to consider what types of action they are willing to take.
Action selection is an important part of the process and can mean success or not for the group. Students might need some support and guidance throughout this part of the process.
Choosing an Action
• You may wish to remind students of the consensus model of decision making to pick the action for the groups issue.
• Once groups have chosen their action, decide if more research related to the specific action is required. For example, students may have chosen the issue of transportation, related to the issue of air pollution. They may have generated several action ideas. If they choose an action idea that involves advocating for the school bus company to switch to hybrid engine buses, the students may find that they need to do some specific research about the pros and cons of hybrid engines.
Use the following Action Planning Framework as a scaffold for detailing and describing your groups plans. Post the template/plan somewhere where everyone in the group has access to it. Check in with the plan frequently and revise as necessary. Note: plans will change as more information becomes available.
Create milestones that can be celebrated along the way and will help you to track your progress. Also create a communication plan that reminds you when to communicate and to whom and about which aspects of your action learning group project.
ACTIVITY Group Action Planning Process (90 minutes)
Adapted from: LSF – Engaging Students in Sustainable Action Projects
Please use the Action Planning Framework attached.