Luma Connection #46: Stars and Stairs

Collaboration and connection are important for our social-emotional well-being. Importantly, Luma has conducted research and published the benefits for creating learning communities remotely. This year, Luma will provide specific strategies you can implement to connect learners remotely. We are calling these strategies our Luma Connections.

Teaching Tool: LumaLive®
Nugget the MascotThis is Luma’s synchronous or same time meeting tool. This online tool allows learners to interact with each other to explore a topic and to discuss key concepts, share experiences, interact with each other, and to ask questions in real time. Interactions are in real-time and can be mentor-learner, learner-to-content, learner-to-self, and learner-to-learner.

Tip:  
Stars and Stairs

Stars and Stairs is a versatile discussion technique in which learners identify the pros, positives, or wins (stars) and cons, obstacles, or challenges (stairs).

Here are some ideas for using the Stars and Stairs Discussion technique:

Icebreaker. Have learners share their stars (wins and positives) and stairs (challenges) of their day.
Self-Assessment: Have learners reflect on their understanding of a topic or performance by identifying the stars or what they understand or accomplished and the stairs or what they did not understand or achieve.
Feedback. Have learners rate a discussion by identifying the stars or positives and the stairs or suggestions for improvement.
Goal Setting. Have learners identify a goal or win and identify steps or stairs to achieving that goal.