Innovation Diploma

Mr. Scott Baynton spent a day with iD grade 10s The Discussion Guide It's a roadmap, not a script. Scott [13:03] Here's a tricky thing: during the group, someone might bring up something totally off topic. You don't want to follow that tangent. The guide helps you stay on track without being rigid. You're keeping people on topic while still adding new information and going deeper. It helps you guide the conversation without losing the thread. Scott [14:22] One thing about the discussion guide's structure: you typically start with broad, high-level questions and get narrower as you go. Think of it like a funnel. You wouldn't open a focus group for a summer program by asking, 'How much does this program cost?' You need to earn that conversation — you start open and wide, then narrow in. Part 10: Live Practice — Summer Camp Focus Group Scott [25:14] Alright—let's run a practice focus group on your topic. Who wants to be the moderator? Here's how to open: say something like, 'Welcome everybody. What we're doing here is just like it sounds — a focus group. I want to get your opinions and ask you a lot of questions. There's no right or wrong answer. I can't hurt my feelings. I want your honest feedback. That's why we do this. Also, behind me is a one-way mirror — people are observing, and we'll be recording.' Then just break the ice. Get them talking. Scott [27:37] Let's talk about what questions you'd want to ask for your Furman program project. The funnel says: start broad. So let's start with summer camps overall. Go ahead. Student Moderator [30:24] When you hear the words 'summer camp,' what do you think of? Participant [30:24] Something tied to colleges, being out of state, staying in cabins with friends. Participant [30:48] Friendships. Building community. Scott [30:48] Good. Now write that on the board — 'community.' It helps keep the conversation going and lets other participants add on. It also changes the room dynamic. When you're standing up writing on the board, it shifts the energy. You control th