Students work in small groups to answer a question about the teaching subject. They do this on a large sheet of paper that is divided into quarters to make a placemat. Students use the placemat to discuss the possible answers with each other and together come up with the best answer to the question.
- Activity goal
- Activate prior knowledge | Recap / Summarize
- When
- In class
- Where
- Offline
- Duration
- < 30 minutes
- Group size
- Small
- Materials
A3 paper, pencil/marker
Step-by-step
Step 1
Divide the group of students into groups of four
Step 2
Each group is given a large sheet with a circle in the centre containing a question about the topic. Around the circle, the sheet is divided into quarters so that each pupil has space to write down their answer. Each pupil individually writes down their answer to the question.
Step 3
After an appropriate number of minutes, students discuss their answers with each other and come to a consensus. This final answer is placed in the centre of the question.
Step 4
Optional: Discuss the results in plenary and discuss the added value of reflecting first individually and then as a group.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Divide the group of students into smaller break-out groups of four participants each.
Step 2
Provide each break-out group with a shared digital whiteboard or collaborative workspace (for example on a Miro board) with a circle in the center containing a question related to the topic.
Around the circle, divide the digital sheet into quarters, allowing each student to have their section to write down their individual answers to the question.
Step 3
Instruct students to individually write down their answers to the question within their designated section on the digital whiteboard.
Step 4
Allow an appropriate amount of time for students to complete their individual responses.
After the allocated time, have the students discuss their answers with each other within their breakout group and work towards a consensus.
Once the group reaches a shared understanding, place the final answer in the center of the question on the digital whiteboard.
Step 5 (Optional)
Bring all the breakout groups back to the main session for a plenary discussion.
Discuss the collective results and the value of reflecting first individually and then as a group and encourage students to share their experiences and insights gained from the activity.
This activity can be conducted online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
