Consider All Factors (CAF)

Description

Consider All Factors is an exercise designed to flush out all of the relevant factors involved in an argument, choice or decision. It is useful to perform before choosing, deciding or planning. If you don’t consider all factors, your choice may seem right at the time, but with hindsight may appear simplistic. When you examine other people’s factors, it also becomes clear what factors have been omitted. It is important to consider all factors first and then pick out the most important ones.

Procedure

1. Draw a CAF frame on the board, with the topic for examination listed above two columns, Your Thinking and Other’s Thinking.

2. Give students 2 to 3 min to list factors important to the case (Your Thinking).

3. In small groups, students compare factors and list down factors that others have (Other’s Thinking). Compare the number of factors before and after.

4. On board list factors that students have compiled.

5. Once listed, students may like to consider the five factors they believe are most important.

Link to Outcomes

Students describe and reason with patterns, structures and relationships in order to understand, interpret, justify and make predictions.

Dynamic Strategies

Think/Clarification

Thinking and Reasoning Skills

Decision making, planning, drawing conclusions, making judgments

Tips

CAF can be used to examine factors affecting oneself, other people or society as a whole.

Consider All Factors (CAF)

Topic
Your Thinking	Other’s Thinking