Stir the Classroom
This protocol requires that members take ownership of the ideas discussed within a group so that if called, they can synthesize them for their next collaborative group. It also allows for groups to learn about others’ ideas and discussions without taking time to share as a full group.
Process
- Arrange students in groups of 4 around the perimeter of the room.
- Assign each group member a number (using cards or another method). This will be the student’s assigned number for the duration of the activity.
- Each group responds to a prompt (a question, short passage, or other stimulus).
- Teachers give a signal and then randomly call a number. The students who have that number rotate clockwise to the next group.
- The student whose number was called shares the previous groups information, discussion, and/or ideas to the new group.
- The ‘new’ group shares significant points that were discussed with the ‘new’ group member.
- The teacher assigns a new prompt.
- The process is repeated as many times as needed (usually no more than 4), choosing a number at random each time.
Credits
Adapted from: “The Adaptive School: Strategies and Moves for Facilitating Groups”. Thinking Collaborative, https://www.thinkingcollaborative.com/as-resources
Photo by Cindy Malette from Burst
