Protocols: What Are They and Why Use Them?

Protocols are conversation structures designed to meet a particular goal. They typically consist of 5-7 steps, are timed, led by a trained facilitator, and engage all participants. Even though protocols grew out of work around teacher professional development, they can easily be adopted for use in any group setting to provide focused attention on group or individual needs and goals. Some protocols can be used in larger groups, while others require the use of dyads or triads. As such, they can be adapted for work groups, study groups, conference sessions, professional development (in any field), and professional learning communities. 

When first introduced to protocols, many people ask, "Why not just have a regular conversation?" Protocols have three great advantages:

1. Structure and Focus: Because the conversation is structured, focus stays on the task or topic at hand. It is difficult for the conversation to spin off into other topics or follow rabbit holes.
2. Equity of Voice: Protocols provide the opportunity for everyone to speak and contribute to the work at hand. As a result, they help rein in voices that might otherwise be dominant.
3. Time: Because the protocols are timed, they honor the time of the group members. The work of the group has a specific start and end time. Also, because the conversation is focused, participants believe that the time has been well used. 

There are several types of protocols, each with its own purpose and outcome:

• Openers and Closers: These protocols help participants transition to this session and work. Closing protocols provide an opportunity for reflection and personal connection to the work just done.
• Protocols for Developing Community: These protocols help the group get to know each other and how they might work best together.
• Protocols for Learning from Texts: Text-based protocols provide alternative ways to read, understand, and connect with a text.
• Protocols for Investigating Teaching, Learning, and Assessment: The protocols help to look at data, student or adult work, and the learning process.
• Protocols for Probing Professional Dilemmas: These protocols allow participants to examine a dilemma brought by a member of the group or shared by the group as a whole.
• Protocols for Exploring Identity, Values, and Equity: These protocols help the group's members delve more deeply into their own values, attitudes, and beliefs.
• Protocols for Encouraging Professional Reflection: These protocols provide a structure to reflect on individual or shared experiences.

We suggest the following books to learn about the use of protocols:

• Facilitating Virtual Learning Communities: Using Protocols to Improve Educator Practice by Julie Moore & Natalie Berger
• Facilitating for Learning: Tools for Teacher Groups of All Kinds by David Allen and Tina Blythe
• The Facilitator's Book of Questions by David Allen and Tina Blythe
• Looking Together at Student Work by Tina Blythe, David Allen, and Barbara Powell

Additionally, several organizations offer facilitator training and resources for educators and education leaders:

• Center for Leadership & Educational Equity
• National School Reform Faculty

Lastly, we offer a 1.5-hour webinar for groups or organizations to introduce them to the concept and use of protocols. Contact us!