Round Table

Round Table is essentially the written version of the discussion technique Round Robin. Students take turns responding to a prompt by writing one or two words or phrases before passing the paper along to others who do the same.

The benefits of having students write their ideas as opposed to speaking them are that writing helps students to focus their attention, gives students quiet time to think about their responses, and provides a cumulative record.

• Ensures that every student in the classroom is generating knowledge and contributing to a discussion simultaneously.
• Generates as many responses as possible from all members of the group in a defined period of time.
• Is particularly well suited to brainstorming exercises, but can easily be adapted to other situations where there are multiple responses.

1. Form groups of four students and tell groups the prompt or distribute the handout.
2. Identify (or have students identify) which group member will begin and inform students that they will circulate the paper clockwise.
3. Ask the first student to write his or her words, phrases, or sentences as rapidly as possible and then read the response aloud so that other students have an opportunity to think aloud and build upon each other.
4. Ask the student to pass the paper to the next student, who follows the same steps.
5. Inform students when time is up, or tell them in your instructions that the process is complete when all members have participated and all ideas are on paper.