Activities which work with a medium-sized group of – as a rough estimate – 11-40 students in the room.
Medium-sized group
Problem-based learning
What is it? Tutorial groups of eight to twelve students address realistic, ill-structured scenarios in complex, interdisciplinary domains, through a defined sequence of steps facilitated by a tutor. PBL is a curriculum approach – a […]
Brainstorming
What is it? Brainstorming is a method used to generate multiple answers or ideas. It encourages creativity and divergent thinking which can be used to solve problems or answer questions. It was popularised by Alex […]
Six thinking hats
What is it? The thinking hats activity originates from Edward De Bono’s (1985) Six Thinking Hats book about the process of lateral and creative thinking. It is largely associated with Business Management, but can be […]
Tests and polls
What is it? Tests, sometimes known as Quizzes, are usually no-stakes or low stakes opportunities for learning (i.e. students work with knowledge as well as recalling what they already know) which can take place within […]
Jigsaw activity
What is it? Each student within a ‘home group’ focuses on a separate segment of a given concept or unit of learning. They convene into temporary ‘expert groups’ to develop their ideas before returning to […]
Concentric circles
What is it? A discussion prompt is given. Equal numbers of students in two concentric circles rotate every two minutes so they have the chance to meet and talk with everyone in the circle. Why […]
Concept maps
Students visually represent a concept in terms of its attributes and their connections, using pen and paper, software, or (in groups) post-its and string. Concept maps have similarities with some of the physical structures that […]
Fishbowl discussions
What is it? Fishbowl is a discussion among students in an inner circle surrounded by an outer circle of silent active listeners. The inner group is asked to contrasting perspectives or particular roles. For example, […]
Peer Instruction – Eric Mazur’s approach
What is it? Peer Instruction is an approach to teaching difficult concepts which students often misunderstand – bottlenecks in learning which students must pass through if they are to progress further. Students are assigned preparatory […]