Where can you use the Relations Diagram in the

PDSA Cycle?

Why Use the Relations Diagram in the Classroom

• Use it when the aspects of a complex issue need to be analyzed and understood.

• The main cause or influence of a problem or issue needs to be identified.

Kids not acting mature

Kids have to sit out

He yells at us

Relations Diagram

Step 1: Brainstorm ideas on why a problem is occuring. Ask "Is there anything deeper causing this?" to get more ideas.

Step 2: Narrow ideas down to about six to eight. Put them in a circle.Step 3: Connect each idea to each of the others by asking which one drives or causes the other. Using cause-effect words like "this makes this happen", or "therefore" helps. Use arrows to show driving action.

Step 4: Count the arrows. Number going out of the idea/ number coming in.

Step 5: Interpret. The idea with the most arrows going out are the ROOT CAUSES. Most arrows in are ROOT EFFECTS.

Some aren't

following directions

He doesn't like us

He treats some kids

differently from others

Ways to use the Relations Diagram

• Some topics to choose from: Lines are too long at lunch Not enough time in the library Things are being taken from desks or lockers Understanding school rules Making visitors or new students feel welcome in the classroom Litter on the playground

Things to remember about the Relations Diagram

• Relations Diagrams are useful for looking at complex issues.

• A Relations Diagram is not something that can be done quickly. Often, it takes several discussions to come up with all of the related issues.

• The issues in a Relations Diagram can change and the Relations Diagram itself can change. It is a dynamic tool. It is never really finished, but something that changes often.