Domino is a game in which players place dominoes on a board, either in a straight line or in a circle. Each domino has a value, called pips, on its two ends, ranging from six to none or blank. The more pips on a domino, the higher its rank or weight. When a domino is flipped over, it triggers a chain reaction in which the next piece will be pushed over by the force of its own weight or the force of a nearby object.
When a person creates a domino set, she usually starts by considering the theme or purpose of the installation. She may then brainstorm images or words that relate to that theme. Once she has a few ideas, she begins assembling the pieces. She places them one at a time, creating a row or a pattern, and then flicking it over to start the chain reaction.
The word domino is also used in the context of business, with an emphasis on leadership and management styles. Typically, leaders are charismatic and able to stand out from the crowd. In contrast, managers are more focused on organizational structure and procedures. The best combination of these two elements is a “domino effect,” in which strong, charismatic leaders are combined with structured processes to make a successful business.
In the earliest sense of domino, it referred to a long hooded garment worn with a mask at carnival season or at a masquerade. Later, it came to refer to the game of dominoes and, in English, to the playing piece, which originally was made with ebony blacks and ivory faces to resemble a priest’s cape over his white surplice.
A domino set consists of 28 tiles, each of which has either 6 or 2 pips. A tile’s value is determined by its rank and weight. The most common rank is double-six, and a domino with more pips has greater ranking power than one with fewer or no pips.
When children compensate for weak foundational skills, their working memory capacity is taxed, and this limits their ability to learn. The stronger the compensatory skill, the more it pushes against the limits of working memory. Eventually, the limit is reached and the weak skill impacts learning. This is the domino dilemma.
As a result, it is important to teach students strategies for working within their limits. Teaching these strategies helps students improve their performance in school and on tests. It also helps them build confidence and independence. This is because when students feel confident, they are more willing to take risks and to seek new challenges. They also tend to be more positive, which helps them focus and engage in their work.