Rose, Thorn, Bud
Why do it? Evaluate an idea, project, or process and parcel out what you like, what you don't, and what opportunities for growth may exist.
Time: 30 minutes
Group or Individual: Group Activity
Overview
This is often used in business to evaluate an idea or around the dinner table to discuss the day, but it can also be used in the classroom in various ways. Use this strategy to evaluate an idea, project, or process as a group. Maybe you want to give and receive feedback on a project from your group or from the whole class; maybe you want to gain perspective as an instructor on how a new class or experience went. Use this strategy to determine positives, negatives, and opportunities.
Directions
Note: You may consider using the Theme Sort activity with this strategy to identify themes.
- Identify the idea, project, process, literary or media work, etc. you want to evaluate.
- Write up a short description or display an image of the thing and place it in a location where everyone can see or access it (and ensure accessibility best practices are followed).
- Explain the strategy and assign columns or sticky note colors to each.
- Rose = positive aspects
- Thorn = negative aspects or potential issues, questions, or concerns
- Bud = opportunities for growth or learning
- Give participants a set amount of time to add as many ideas to each section as they can.
Note: you may break this up into a set time for rose, a set time for thorn, and a set time for bud, or you may choose to do a single time limit to post notes for each section.
- Once time has passed, participants should share out what they posted.
Note: In a virtual space? No worries. Use a virtual whiteboard, slides, or a simple shared document to facilitate and gather ideas.
Send us your feedback!
How are you planning to use this resource?