Buzz groups

A short, focussed discussion task in pairs which is useful for generating new content and energy.

Buzz groups

A short, focussed discussion task in pairs which is useful for generating new content and energy.

Cross-overs

Cross-overs

Groups work on different tasks. A representative from each group then joins another group so that ideas are shared.

Pyramids

Students work on a task alone, then in pairs to discuss, then in fours to draw conclusions. Finally a full group discussion compares the conclusions.

Pyramids

Students work on a task alone, then in pairs to discuss, then in fours to draw conclusions. Finally a full group discussion compares the conclusions.

Rounds

This activity involves everyone in the group taking a turn to say something on a particular issue or theme.

Rounds

This activity involves everyone in the group taking a turn to say something on a particular issue or theme.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming

Students share as many ideas as they can about the issue being discussed – all of which are noted down. Ideas can then be discussed further.

Syndicates

Set up groups of 4-6 to work on the same problem, task or question. The groups then report back to the whole class.

Syndicates

Set up groups of 4-6 to work on the same problem, task or question. The groups then report back to the whole class.

Fishbowls

Involves assigning observer(s) to watch and comment on group discussions e.g. how consensus was achieved or group dynamics.

Fishbowls

Involves assigning observer(s) to watch and comment on group discussions e.g. how consensus was achieved or group dynamics.

Note-takers

Assign a student to take notes summarising the main points discussed. These can be written up and circulated to all students.

Note-takers

Assign a student to take notes summarising the main points discussed. These can be written up and circulated to all students.

Presentations

Ask student(s) to present their ideas/work – this could be on pre-prepared work, or the outcomes of an activity.

Presentations

Ask student(s) to present their ideas/work – this could be on pre-prepared work, or the outcomes of an activity.

Problem Solving

Give students problems to work through on their own or in groups. This helps with the application of knowledge and identification of difficulties.

Problem Solving

Give students problems to work through on their own or in groups. This helps with the application of knowledge and identification of difficulties.

Poster Tours

Individuals or groups produce and display a poster summarising their ideas. Posters may be prepared in advance or created in the session.

Poster Tours

Individuals or groups produce and display a poster summarising their ideas. Posters may be prepared in advance or created in the session.

Case Studies

Provide students with case studies to work through to help ‘bring to life’ the subject. Could by hypothetical or based on real examples.

Case Studies

Provide students with case studies to work through to help ‘bring to life’ the subject. Could by hypothetical or based on real examples.

Role Plays

Ask students to take the role of different people in a case study or debate. They may be asked to prepare both content and personal style.

Role Plays

Ask students to take the role of different people in a case study or debate. They may be asked to prepare both content and personal style.

Debates

Set up discussions and assign students to take particular standpoints (encourages different perspectives and avoids them getting too personal).

Debates

Set up discussions and assign students to take particular standpoints (encourages different perspectives and avoids them getting too personal).

Circular Questioning

Reply to questions with with questions e.g. “If you were to ask (name a key theorist) that question, what do you think their response would be?”.

Circular Questioning

Reply to questions with with questions e.g. “If you were to ask (name a key theorist) that question, what do you think their response would be?”.

Reading

Allow short periods of time during the session for everyone to read a handout or section from a key text/paper. It also allows a quiet time to collect thoughts.

Reading

Allow short periods of time during the session for everyone to read a handout or section from a key text/paper. It also allows a quiet time to collect thoughts.

Peer assessment

Have the student group assess their peers’ presentation or written work against agreed/provided criteria.

Peer assessment

Have the student group assess their peers’ presentation or written work against agreed/provided criteria.

Line-ups

Ask students to line up across the room according to where on the continuum they think they stand (e.g. agree – disagree). Get them to explain to people near them why they chose that spot.

Line-ups

 Ask students to line up across the room according to where on the continuum they think they stand (e.g. agree – disagree). Get them to explain to people near them why they chose that spot.