FISHBOWL STRUCTURE: HOW IT WORKS
· For this formal discussion students
will be expected to participate both the inner group and the outer group.
·
While in the inner group,
students are engaged in active discussion addressing the given questions/topics
according to expectations.
Students in the outer
group are observers. They must actively observe the discussion, take
notes and tap into the circle at least
two times during the Fishbowl.
· *Empty Chair: This is for the teacher to enter
when necessary.
EXPECTATIONS
1. Restate the previous comments using
student’s first names.
2. One person speaks at a time.
3. Use body language and eye contact
for clues when to speak. No need to raise your hand.
4. Comments and questions are only
asked by the people in the inner circle.
5. Support answers/comments with
evidence.
6. To enter the inner circle, you must
tap into someone who has already participated in the conversation.
7. If you elect to leave the bowl, you
MUST say something meaningful before leaving.
8. Each person must connect their
comment or questions to the previous comment or question.
9. No question must begin with the word
why.
10. The conversation does not exist just
so you can hear yourself talk, it is for the group to explore ideas and
questions.
11. People in the outer circle must
write down statements that make them go “hmmm” or “aah” or “huh”.
12. One student enters the circle to
begin the discussion.
13. The discussion keeps going even when
people enter or leave the bowl – flow should be seamless, without pause.
14. Keep the discussion
focused!!!!*******
15. Incorporate others in the
discussion.
16. Provide examples to support your
opinion.
17. Come prepared with all notes AND
whatever reading you wish to pull evidence from.
18. Respect all opinions and views.
ABOUT LISTENING AND SPEAKING
· When a student is not speaking, he
or she is expected to be an active listener. This includes making eye contact
with the person that is speaking, staying quiet while somebody is speaking, and
maintaining interest even if not directly participating.
- While
speaking, students need to be respectful in all areas.
- Students
are in no way to put down the ideas of other students – disagreement with
the idea is fine, but no disparaging comments towards other students will
be tolerated.
- Likewise,
students need to respect the amount of times and length of time during
which they speak. “Share the air” – everyone needs time to speak, so
do not monopolize the conversation by speaking too often or by speaking
for too long.
- Your
point should be concise, meaning to the point.
- Remember
when speaking that accuracy is important. Arguments that are not accurate
or supported by proof will result in a poor grade.
· Finally, stereotyping of any type
will not be tolerated.
Whether in the inner or outer circle, active
listening is still expected. If on the outer circle, students are responsible
for taking notes based on the conversation taking place in the Fishbowl.
