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 Activities Fishbowl discussions

Fishbowl discussions 

Short description

A group of students engage in an academic discussion while the rest of the class observes them. This demonstrates how an academic dialogue is conducted.  

Objective

OBJECTIVE

PRACTISING SCIENTIFIC METHODS
  • The activity illustrates how to conduct an academic discussion and teaches students observation skills. 

How does the activity take place?

PREPARATION

TEACHERS'S PREPARATION
  • Prepare a topic for students to discuss in class. This could for example be based on a particularly difficult text.  

STUDENT'S PREPARATION
  • Ask students to prepare for the discussion before class, e.g. by reading specific texts.  

IN CLASS

PLENUM

(5 minutes)

  • Present the activity and topic for discussion. If relevant, present the different roles that the students will be taking on during the discussion, e.g. being text-oriented, playing devil’s advocate.  

  • Ask for volunteers to participate in the discussion.  

IN GROUPS

(5-10 minutes)
  • The volunteers sit in the centre of the classroom, surrounded by the rest of the class. The group discusses the topic while the rest of the class observes.

PLENUM

(10 minutes)
  • After the discussion, both teacher and students can contribute answers, share opinions or give feedback. 

Considerations

CONSIDERATIONS

SHOULD THE STUDENTS HAVE A SPECIFIC ROLE?
  • Consider whether students should take on a specific role in the discussion, such as being text-oriented, providing different perspectives, or playing devil’s advocate. 

HOW CAN YOU CREATE A SAFE ENVIROMENT?
  • Some students may find the activity intimidating, which is why it’s best to ask for volunteers. Consider how to clearly communicate your expectations and take the focus away from the student’s academic performance during the discussion. Consider what else you can do to make the students more comfortable doing the activity. 

Options to vary the activity

OPTIONS TO VARY THE ACTIVITY

REPEAT THE ACTIVITY
  • Reduce the pressure on the individual student by repeating the activity so that all students participate in the discussion at least once.

ONLINE
  • Carry out the activity online, e.g. on Zoom, where everyone is muted except for those participating in the discussion. Consider whether the whole class or only the group should switch their cameras on during the discussion. 

Overview

Time frame 1 hour 
When will the activity take place?   In class
Format  Plenum
Teaching format Classroom instruction 
Main type of activity  Information & knowledge and communication & discussion
How will the activity take place? In person, online

Timeframe

One semester
When will the activity take place?   In class
ORGANIZATION The whole class
Primary activity Information and knowledge  
How will the activity take place?   In person
Relevant technology Panopto

Contact

Please contact the editors at AU Educate if you have any questions about the content of the platform or if you need consultation on your teaching from one of the many skilled professionals at the Centre for Educational Development. 

Revised 26.03.2024
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Nina Bang Morgensol