PMI Chart

Activity Overview

Students evaluate an idea, decision, or topic by listing Plus (positives), Minus (negatives), and Interesting (intriguing implications) aspects.

Grade Levels

3rd Grade4th Grade5th Grade6th Grade7th Grade8th Grade9th Grade10th Grade11th Grade12th Grade

Subject Areas

ScienceMathematicsEnglishHistoryForeign Language

Activity Types

IndividualAnalyticalWriting

Detailed Example

Evaluating a Historical Decision (History - 7th Grade)

Materials Needed

PMI chart template with three columns
Background information on the decision
Markers or colored pencils for each section

Preparation

Create PMI templates with equal-sized columns. Select a historical decision with genuine complexity (Louisiana Purchase, dropping atomic bombs, etc.). Provide background reading.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Introduce PMI (developed by Edward de Bono): a tool for thinking about all sides of an idea before forming opinions.

Three columns: Plus (good things), Minus (bad things), Interesting (things that are neither good nor bad but worth noting).

Today's topic: 'Should President Truman have authorized the atomic bombs on Japan?'

Important: Fill out all three columns BEFORE deciding your opinion. This prevents bias.

Plus column (5 min): What are the possible benefits or positive aspects? 'Ended the war quickly', 'Saved American soldiers' lives'

Minus column (5 min): What are the drawbacks or negative aspects? 'Killed civilians', 'Started nuclear arms race'

Interesting column (5 min): What's neither good nor bad but thought-provoking? 'Japan might have surrendered anyway', 'Changed warfare forever'

Review your PMI. Does one column dominate? Go back and add to weaker columns.

NOW form your opinion, using evidence from all columns.

10.

Discussion: How did this process affect your thinking?

Differentiation Strategies

Pre-populate some examples in each column for struggling students. Provide additional source documents for evidence. For advanced students, require citation of sources for each point.

Assessment Guidelines

Check for balanced thinking across all three columns. Look for evidence-based reasoning. Note if students find genuine 'Interesting' points rather than just positives or negatives.