This hands-on activity is designed to introduce rapid cycle Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) testing and demonstrate how a theory of improvement can guide testing. During the activity, groups will try to increase the amount of time they can spin a coin by testing new methods or theories. Groups will learn the importance of prediction and measurement for learning through disciplined inquiry.

This set of resources includes the following materials:

• Coin Spinning PDSA Game: Facilitator’s Guide – Outlines the activity objectives and structure, and includes prompts for introducing and leading the activity
• Coin Spinning PDSA Game: Slides – Introduces the activity purpose and structure, highlighting the materials participants will use in small groups as they engage in the task
• Participant Handouts – Includes all necessary participant handouts

With the world record time for spinning a coin on its edge as inspiration, participants together identify a baseline time and set a shared aim for spinning a coin on its edge. Groups then test theories for increasing the time that the coin will remain spinning, documenting their plans, predictions, data, and conclusions as they go.

The activity includes an opportunity to explore networked learning, by pausing to allow groups to share effective strategies, and to discuss the value of documentation to support learning through testing. 

Download Coin Spinning PDSA Game: Facilitator’s Guide (PDF)

Download or Copy Coin Spinning PDSA Game: Slides (for facilitator)

Download Coin Spinning PDSA Game: Participant Handouts (PDF)

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PDSA Quick Reference Guide

Improvement Science in Practice