Let's Scale Things Up!

Think, for a minute, about something that you need to do, right now.

Maybe it is a report, or a personal project.

Maybe it is a chore that you are reluctant to do but MUST do.

It can be anything that keeps haunting you that needs to be finished.

Then answer the Scaling Question:

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 meaning _______is completed and a 1 meaning it isn’t started, where am I now on that scale?____

Now, what would it take, just for today or this week, for me to move up that scale just a ½ point? What else?__________________

In 1994, Insoo Kim Berg said: Scaling questions… rate priorities, goals, satisfaction, problems, coping strategies, successes, motivation for change, safety, confidence, treatment progress, and hope on a numerical scale from 1–10. (Berg, 1994.)

It’s funny how a number can often provide comfort, reassurance and clarity. It is motivating and directional. 

So, in school this week, when students or teachers seem down or overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, try the scaling question. It gently encourages the student or teacher to think about where they are in regard to solving the problem, and gives them clarity.  

Try out the scaling question this week with 1-3 students. Any topic is game! You can scale:

• passing a class

• not being as anxious

• feeling confident

• catching up on an assignment

May the solution force be with you.

Linda