This is a great activity for demonstrating how we often rely heavily on generalizations and at times stereotypes in regard to what we think others value. Participants quickly realize that values exist on a continuum rather than as absolutes in all contexts. Participants often have a difficult time verbalizing their choices. Presenters would do well to incorporate their own as examples.

I incorporated this activity while exploring the curriculum's "family" topic in a first-semester Portuguese as an additional language class. Participants were in a classroom and positioned themselves based on their opinions along the spectrum of statements displayed on the projector. Participants talked with each other about their positions and joined a debriefing session afterward. It served as an exceptional tool to highlight and stimulate discussions regarding the influence of our personal backgrounds on our values, as well as how these values evolve through exposures and social interactions.

I have always enjoyed this activity in person - the more people, the more fun, as long as you have space to move around. But over the past few years I have done it more online than in person and now I really like that modality as well. I have added instructions for online facilitation to the Notes and the Lesson Plan, if you want to try Human Values Continuum in a virtual setting.