Creating a Sticky Situation for Learning

No matter whether I am facilitating a small group discussion or presenting to a large group for an entire day, I always carry with me hundreds of sticky dots. Colored sticky dots are a versatile material that can be used in myriad ways. The “restickable” dots are even more versatile because participants can change their minds about where to place them. This is especially helpful when using them for a voting activity.
 


​How To:

1. Provide everyone with colored sticky dots. They should each be given the same amount so they will have an equal voice. Usually, two or three dots of different colors will suffice for most activities. 
2. Project or print a legend to match and value the dots. For example, green dots = high priority, yellow dots = low priority.
3. Make a voting ballot on a piece of chart paper. For example, participants might vote on favorite ideas from a brainstormed list, important next actions or two different versions of a mission statement.
4. Direct each participant to bring up his or her sticky dots and stick them next to the items they value the most. 
5. When everyone has voted, allow participants to view the votes and decide if they would like to move their dot(s) to another place. 
6. Discuss with the group the outcome of the voting

 
Variations:

If participants have a paper handout, sticky dots can be used in many other ways. The visual and tactile nature of the dots makes them a simple way to increase engagement. For example, individuals can be encouraged to stick a dot next to:

• three questions from a lengthy list of questions
• five things they will add to their repertoire
• the one best idea from the morning session

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