Teaching article
Vote or seek consensus? Match the method to the decision
Show that seeking an agreement and counting preferences are different decision-making approaches.
A quick choice between two paper colours differs from an agreement about how everyone will share a small workspace. The group can compare decision methods by asking how each handles unresolved concerns.
Compare how each method handles disagreement. Consensus may require further discussion; a vote can decide without resolving every participant's concern.
A group can modify a game so several roles work for everyone, rather than vote away one participant's access need.
What happens to disagreement afterwards?
Try revising an option through discussion. Compare that process with a private vote. Explain when each classroom approach helped.
Voting should not remove essential participation or safety arrangements.
What changed during the consensus attempt? Give a listener role that can submit a drawn concern.
Resources
- Fair Rule or Random Rule? — Compare proposed rules and explain their practical effects.
Further reading
- Parliamentary Education Office — classroom activities
- Australian Electoral Commission — Democracy Rules
Read next
- A clear petition asks for one identifiable change
- Referendum or election: what question is on the ballot?
- Community consultation that leaves a way to answer quietly
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