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Opinion ranking

Short description

Students need to place themselves on a scale to express their opinion, stance or understanding of a topic or issue. Explicitly declaring a stance in this way opens up for discussions in class.

              

Objective

THE OBJECTIVE

CRITICAL THINKING
  • The activity gives students an opportunity to learn to identify and assess their own views and understanding of a topic and to think critically. They also become aware of other people's perspectives.

FACILITATE ACADEMIC DISCUSSIONS
  • Students' opinions can be used to open up a discussion on a given topic.

Execution

PREPARATIONS

TEACHER'S PREPARATION
  • Prepare topics or questions for the students to evaluate. 
  • Consider what the line should represent, for example a scale ranking from agree to disagree. 
  • If the activity takes place in a classroom: Bring chalk or masking tape to make a line on the floor of the room. It should be long enough for all students to place themselves along it. 
  • If the activity takes place online: Create a line in a Padlet or use a Mentimeter scale for students to place themselves along. 

STUDENT PREPARATION
  • If the discussion is to be based on literature, the students need time to prepare beforehand.

IN CLASS

IN PLENUM

  • Frame the exercise and explain that the line represents a scale with two opposing ends.

  • Present a topic or question to the students and ask them to form an opinion on it.

  • Students indicate their opinion by placing themselves on the scale.

  • Discuss differing opinions by asking students to argue for their position on the scale.

  • After hearing each others’ arguments, ask students to position themselves on the scale again, to see if anyone has re-evaluated their opinion.

Considerations

CONSIDER

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED?

 Give students enough time to form an opinion and discuss the questions. Some students may need more time to form an opinion or get involved in the discussion.  Move on when you feel the discussion wrapping up or becoming repetitive.

WHAT TYPE OF QUESTIONS?

 You can prepare questions that are academic or questions that are more personal. For example, using the exercise while discussing a sensitive topic can be a great way to show students that they are all in the same boat or that everyone has their own opinion. This might be useful for topics such as starting your degree, writing large assignments, giving oral presentations, etc. 

WHAT KIND OF PREPARATION?

 If the discussion is to be based on literature, it is a good idea to give the students time to prepare before class. This way, you can start the activity as soon as the class begins.

Options to vary the activity

OPTION TO VARY THE ACTIVITY

ONLINE

The activity can be completed online.  

  • Mentimeter. Use the "scales" feature where students can mark where they are on the line. You can create a new slide for each question. 

  • Padlet. Students create a "post" with their name on it. They can then move this post around the screen. Create a background with a line for the students to position themselves on.  

Overview

Time frame One lecture
When will the activity take place? In class
Format Plenum
Form of instruction Classroom instruction
Type of activity Communication and discussion
How In class, Online
Technology Padlet, Mentimeter

Contact

Revised 16.04.2026
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Nina Bang Morgensol