How To Use the Snowball Technique In Classroom Discussions to Improve Inclusion

Summary

In this video, Lee Hall introduces the snowball technique for enhancing class discussions and promoting inclusion. The technique involves students individually answering questions, then pairing up to discuss their responses, before gradually combining into larger groups. This process allows students to hear diverse perspectives, develop new ideas, and create a more inclusive environment. Hall explains how this approach encourages participation, fosters new discussions, and helps students engage with a variety of voices, ultimately improving academic success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breaking up routine class discussions can improve student participation and inclusion.
• 😀 The Snowball technique involves students first answering questions individually before pairing up for discussions.
• 😀 The technique allows for multiple rounds of pairing and grouping, fostering diverse interactions among students.
• 😀 Students should have 5-7 minutes to reflect and write down their ideas before discussing with others.
• 😀 The discussion should focus on engaging students with at least one of the provided questions, ensuring every student contributes.
• 😀 Group sizes can grow progressively, starting from pairs to larger groups, but it’s important to monitor student engagement.
• 😀 By grouping in different ways, students encounter a variety of perspectives, which enhances inclusion and participation.
• 😀 While the final group size can be adjusted, groups of 4-6 are ideal to maintain productive discussions.
• 😀 This technique works best when the teacher limits the session time, usually around 45 minutes to an hour, to maintain student focus.
• 😀 Snowballing discussions lead to a more inclusive environment by allowing students to hear from peers they might not typically interact with.

Q & A

What is the snowball technique in class discussions?

The snowball technique is a method where students first discuss in pairs, then gradually combine into larger groups, allowing for more diverse interaction and sharing of perspectives, ultimately fostering an inclusive environment.

How does the snowball technique promote inclusion in the classroom?

By encouraging students to interact with various classmates and share their ideas in progressively larger groups, the snowball technique ensures that a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and questions are heard and considered.

How should students prepare before starting the snowball technique?

Students should first read or watch the assigned material and then individually answer 1 to 3 questions provided by the teacher. This gives them time to reflect on the topic and prepare ideas for discussion.

What is the time frame for individual responses in the snowball technique?

Typically, students are given about 5 to 7 minutes to individually write down their thoughts or answers to the questions. This allows enough time for reflection without making the task feel overly burdensome.

What is the purpose of pairing students up for discussion in the snowball technique?

Pairing students up ensures that each student has a chance to share their thoughts with at least one other person, fostering deeper engagement before moving on to larger groups. It also provides an opportunity for quieter students to express their ideas in a smaller, less intimidating setting.

What happens after students have discussed in pairs during the snowball technique?

Once students have shared their ideas in pairs, they are then grouped into larger groups of four by combining pairs. This process continues with groups getting larger, allowing for a more dynamic exchange of ideas.

How does the snowball technique differ from traditional classroom discussions?

Traditional discussions often involve a whole class speaking at once, which can lead to disengagement or unequal participation. In contrast, the snowball technique breaks the discussion into smaller, manageable stages, encouraging more students to engage and share their ideas.

Why does the instructor cut off the snowball discussion at groups of four?

The instructor cuts off the discussion at groups of four because larger groups can become less productive, with students potentially becoming disengaged. By limiting the size to four, the discussion remains more focused and inclusive, ensuring that each participant has a chance to contribute.

How long does a typical snowball technique session take?

A full session using the snowball technique typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. This includes time for individual reflection, pair discussions, and larger group interactions.

What are some benefits of using the snowball technique in class?

The snowball technique encourages active participation from all students, helps them see different perspectives, and fosters inclusivity by allowing students to interact with various classmates. It also breaks up routine patterns and promotes more meaningful discussions.