Some things about our future are uncertain (Will the tornado season be bad?), and many more things are unknown (How will humans respond to the climate crisis?).
Then there are ambiguous things. These are things that are unformed and emergent—they could be created or interpreted in any number of ways. While ambiguity may contain uncertainty, they’re different. Uncertainty implies that there is something to be certain about. An absolute truth or fact exists. With ambiguity there’s no singular, correct answer. It allows for layers of meaning on anything. Your mind is free to explore—and to imagine possibilities that are unknown or don’t currently exist.
How does it work?
The downloadable activity gives you permission to be creative. It aims to help you understand your response to ambiguity—both your interpretations and your emotional response. What you see might not be what anyone else sees. What you see today might be different tomorrow. The activity is written to be used in the classroom, but it can be done with any group or on one’s own.
Credits
Navigating Ambiguity by Andrea Small and Kelly Schumutte
Educator Guide: edited by Jennifer Brown and designed by Lauren Steltzer
Exam Copies for Educators
To request a complimentary examination copy to review for use in your classroom, contact Penguin Random House Education here.
LICENSE: CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL