Protocol Overview and Instructions: 
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Speedboat is a short and sweet way to identify what your employees or clients don't like about your product/service or what' s standing in the way of a desired goal. As individuals trying to build forward momentum on products or projects, we sometimes have blind spots regarding what' s stopping us. This game lets you get insight from stakeholders about what they think may be an obstacle to progress. 


Speedboat Protocol Instructions

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Educator Thoughts:
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​We used the “Speedboat” protocol for a community activity at Hamilton Flex Blended.  The protocol, originally meant to break down any barriers that might be present in a project or question, was shifted to fit our program’s needs.  The needs we were looking to address were the struggles/challenges students were having in completing coursework on time.  

There were a few challenges to the protocol, but all were surmountable.  First,  we realized that our group was too big to do as a whole group, so we split the group into two, using two white boards with a boat and anchors, to offer structure.  Students were given sticky notes and asked to write down one answer on a sticky note to answer the following question: 

“What factors have slowed down your overall course progress and completion of classes at HFBL?”

The second challenge showed up in student responses to this question.  Some, not used to group activities,  struggled to offer appropriate responses.  Others, offered so many reasons that it was difficult to be productive. Nevertheless,  the activity raised some relevant and useful factors that students are struggling with and NEED help to continue to surmount.  There was also enough data to use that we are hoping to do a second group activity to break down these concerns further and potentially look at Action Steps to work on.  


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Student Quote:
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​“There are a lot of things that make it hard for me to complete my coursework on time.  Only a few of them are things I can truly control.”

Meet the Educator:

​I have been an English/Social Studies teacher for many years. I became involved in PBL after a training with Buck Institute about 10 years ago.  It has been a pleasure to participate in Future Prep’d cohorts during the summer, school year, and in a hybrid blended format over the last 6 years.  Continuing to grow as an educator is something I am passionate about! Personally, I've had the privilege to teach overseas in Hungary, China and Sicily as well as the United States.  I am a mother to three children and have a miniature dachshund named Izi.  We enjoy spending time outdoors and being active as well as exploring new places. 

     “Finding a way and means to encourage deep, relevant thought in students is what PBL is all about!”  ​