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IcebreakerKick-starting the Intro I-O Course on the First DayPeter Bachiochi

Eastern Connecticut State University

Agree-Disagree IcebreakerOn the first day, after introducing yourselfand covering the syllabus and other administrative details, tell theclass that youre going to give them a statement and that they have tomove to one side of the room or the other based on whether or notthey agree with the statement. Statements are chosen such thatstudents will have an opinion on the topic. Topics about which thereare common misconceptions are also very effective. Ive included a list

of statements that I have used below.

Several conditions are important to state before the exercise is begun.First, you must state that theres no room for equivocating and thatthey must take a stand on one side or the other. However, its perfectlyokay for them to move from one side to the other if they change theirmind during the discussion. Also, they have to respond to thestatement as it is specifically stated (the statements are wordedintentionally in such a way to leave some ambiguity).

Once sides have been taken, ask for a response/explanation from oneside. Alternate from side to side, allowing one side to respond to theother. Even on the first day of class, pretty lively discussions develop.During these discussions, its important to maintain some order andperhaps define the rules you expect the class to follow (e.g., do notinterrupt someone who is speaking, once a point has been made allowsomeone on the opposing side to respond, address the commentmade, not the qualities of the commenter, etc.).

Key Teaching PointsAlthough the discussion does allow you to impart some key facts, theprimary purposes of the exercise are to establish a class climate andto communicate the depth of thinking/analysis you expect. In terms ofclass climate, first, youre indicating the level of discussion/interactionyou expect in your class. Second, youre establishing some groundrules for discussion that will be followed the remainder of thesemester. Youre also providing some key critical thinking/analysislessons, too. First, given the agree/disagree nature of the exercise,

you can communicate the dangers of either/or thinking and reinforcehow it depends can be a good answer to many questions. Second,

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you can demonstrate the complexity of many of the issues that will becovered (e.g., the interaction of person perception, legal issues, andHR policies in discrimination cases).

Sample Statements1) An employer has the right to give you a drug test when you applyfor a job.2) Interviews are good predictors of future job performance.3) Paychecks are an effective motivator.4) Older workers tend to have more workplace accidents.5) Happy workers are more productive workers.6) Anyone can be trained to be an effective leader.7) American workers tend to be good team members.