Conversation Circles is a teaching strategy designed to facilitate discussion and the sharing of ideas in a structured format. This strategy allows students to articulate their thoughts and hear diverse perspectives from peers, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Procedure
1
Arrange students in two concentric circles, with the outer circle facing inward and the inner circle facing outward, ensuring each student in one circle faces a peer in the other.
2
Pose a discussion question, and give students a moment to think about and formulate their response.
3
Invite students to share their responses with the person they are facing, encouraging the use of evidence to support their points.
4
Signal for students in the outer circle to move two spots to the right, pairing them with new peers.
5
Introduce a new question and repeat the sharing process, continuing for several rounds to ensure varied interactions.
Differentiation
Limited Mobility and Space: To support limited mobility and space, create one stationary and one mobile group, with the latter moving to engage with seated partners. This will ensure that all students can participate fully.
Preview Questions: Provide question previews and note-taking opportunities to support additional processing time, enhancing students’ ability to engage and contribute meaningfully.
Guided Feedback: At the end of the session, encourage students to provide constructive feedback to one another on the clarity and persuasiveness of the arguments presented. This can help build a supportive learning environment and enhance communication skills.
Reflection Time: After several rounds of discussion, allow students a few minutes of individual reflection to jot down key insights they gained or questions that arose during their conversations. This reflection can be either shared verbally in a final wrap-up round or written as a brief exit ticket. This helps students process the discussion and solidify their understanding.
Variations
Cross-Classroom Virtual Conversation Circles: Leverage digital platforms for virtual conversation to connect with students from other classes, fostering cross-classroom communication and broadening the collaborative learning experience.
