Change your mind when the facts change

The method

1. State a provisional explanation

Write what the available facts support now. Use conditional language where the information is incomplete. A provisional explanation is useful because it can be revised; it should not harden into a label for the person.

2. Identify the exact change

When the case evolves, ask which earlier inference is affected. Distinguish information that changes an action from information that adds context. Explain why a revision follows instead of simply announcing a different answer.

3. Keep the unresolved pieces visible

New facts rarely answer every question. Retain the questions that still matter. Do not promise an option, appointment or accommodation until you know it is available and within your role to arrange.

WORKED EXAMPLE

Four turns in a scheduling problem

Turn 1: A learner asks to move a practical session. You do not know why. Turn 2: They report a transport problem, so you ask about feasible times. Turn 3: They can travel only on Fridays, but you do not know room availability. Turn 4: Friday rooms are unavailable. A reasonable revision is to discuss authorized alternatives with the coordinator, explaining the transport constraint. Promising a Friday session at Turn 3 would have gone beyond the information and your stated authority.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Your workshop

Your answers stay in this open page unless you choose to save on this device or download. Use fictional or de-identified learning examples; leave out patient and other people’s private information.

Check the reasoning

Choose an answer to see an explanation. These are learning checks, not an official exam or score prediction.

1. At Turn 2, which statement is justified?The learner reports a transport barrier.Friday rooms are available.The learner should abandon the course.

2. What does Turn 4 change?The transport concern is no longer real.A Friday room can no longer be assumed as a workable option.The learner’s motive has been established.

Build your worksheet

Earlier positionWrite what you would say before the new information.New fact and its effectName the precise inference or action that changes.Remaining uncertaintyWhat must still be checked, and who can decide?

Try a changed situation

A study partner initially declines a group call, then explains that captions are unavailable. What changes in your interpretation and invitation?

Your response

Take away: A strong revision identifies what changed, why it matters and what remains unknown.

I have reviewed the checks and reflected on my response.

Answer both learning checks to enable your review record.

Marking reviewed records your own activity. It does not establish mastery or readiness.