Problem Solving Unknown Behavior Issues

When you need to investigate a sensitive issue that as happened in your class, but you don’t want give out too much information, try this.  Give each child a blank piece of paper and ask them to write what they know about the scenario and do not allow them to discuss it.  This allows you to gather information without preloading too much information.  i.e. You come back after having a substitute teacher in your classroom to find the globe was broken.  Tell students  to write what they know about who was playing with the globe and why it might be broken.  If you do not know anything then write “I know nothing”, this way everyone writes something and it keeps those who know something from feeling singled out.  Collect the papers and look for common answers to solve your mystery.