diverge · Ideation, Problem Solving · 15–20 min · 2-20 people · medium energy
Headlines
The Headlines thinking routine encourages participants to synthesize information and identify key takeaways by creating concise headlines. This method promotes deeper understanding and highlights the core essence of a topic or experience.
When to use Headlines
Use this method when you need participants to quickly process information, extract key insights, or summarize learning after a presentation, reading, or discussion.
What it solves
Difficulty summarizing complex information, superficial understanding of a topic, lack of clear takeaways from a discussion.
How to run Headlines, step by step
- Introduce the activity and explain the concept of writing headlines (2 minutes).
- Present the information (e.g., article, presentation, video) to the group (allow appropriate time).
- Individually, participants write 2-3 headlines that capture the essence of the information (5 minutes).
- In small groups (3-4 people), participants share their headlines and discuss the different perspectives (8 minutes).
- Facilitate a brief whole-group discussion to highlight key themes and insights (5 minutes).
Materials needed
- Paper or digital document for writing headlines
- Timer
- Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard
Facilitator tips
- Encourage participants to be creative and concise with their headlines.
- Remind participants that there is no single 'right' headline.
- Model an example headline to get participants started.
Common pitfalls
- Participants struggle to summarize the information effectively. - Provide guiding questions or prompts to help them focus.
- Participants write headlines that are too vague or general. - Encourage them to be specific and capture the core message.
Variations
- Use images or videos as the source material instead of text.
- Have participants vote on the best headline.
- Use the headlines as a starting point for further discussion or brainstorming.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a shared document or whiteboard tool like Miro or Google Jamboard for participants to write and share their headlines.
What it produces
A collection of headlines representing different perspectives on the topic.
Origin
Adapted from Project Zero's Visible Thinking Routines — source
Build a session around Headlines
METODIC places Headlines inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.