PCQ (Pros, Cons, Questions)

This strategy will help students to:

PCQ is a basic tool used by the critical thinker to analyse any situation before deciding whether or not to support it. The PCQ Extension takes the analysis further and deeper by adding a fourth column header: Perspectives, or Points of View.
The column uses perspectives, criteria and special points of interest.

Implementation:

PERSPECTIVES
- The teacher offers several perspectives to be entered below each other. Allow students the opportunity to include some of their own perspectives.
P = Pros
- In each cell, enter all the pros, advantages, positives, good points.
C = Cons
- In each cell, enter all the cons, disadvantages, negatives, weak points, problems, difficulties, etc.
Q = Questions
- In each cell, enter all the questions, “What if…?”, “I wonder…?”, “It would be interesting to know whether…”, possibilities, unusual questions, insights.

Example:

TOPIC: Critically analyse and apply health information to health decisions (year 9/10 health)

TASK: Analyse the health information relating to mandatory child vaccinations.

Argue whether it is the right decision for all people.

TOOL: PCQ Extension

PARA	PERSPECTIVE	PROS	CONS	QUESTIONS
1	Health	· A high level (90-99%) of protection from preventable diseases, such as polio. · Decrease in child deaths. · Delivered in safe dosages.	· Side effects – pain and discomfort of needle. · Other possible side effects from aluminium.	· Are vaccinations linked to autism?
2	Community	· Vaccinations limit the spread of diseases to vulnerable people; sick and elderly.	· Little community choice; “No Jab, No Pay’ policy and banning from pre-schools and child care centres.	· What is the threat if some children did not become vaccinated?
3	Parents	· Healthy children. · Funded by Government.	· Ensuring the child is up to date with shots. · Possible reaction/discomfort to shots.	· Should parents be given a choice?