The Snowball Discussion is a collaborative learning activity that encourages active participation, knowledge sharing, and deeper understanding of a topic. Students begin by independently reflecting on a question or prompt, then engage in paired and small group discussions to share their insights and build upon each other’s ideas. As the groups grow larger, the discussion expands, leading to a comprehensive exploration of the topic.

Materials:

• Whiteboard or flipchart
• Markers or pens
• Index cards or sticky notes (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Introduce the topic or question for discussion.
   • Explain the Snowball Discussion process to the students.
2. Individual Reflection (5 minutes):
   • Provide students with a few minutes to reflect on the question or prompt independently.
   • Encourage them to jot down their thoughts and ideas on index cards or sticky notes (optional).
3. Paired Discussion (5 minutes):
   • Instruct students to find a partner and share their individual reflections with each other.
   • Encourage them to discuss and expand upon their ideas together.
4. Small Group Discussion (10 minutes):
   • Ask students to form pairs with another pair to create a group of four.
   • Instruct the groups to share their collective ideas from the paired discussions.
   • Encourage them to build upon each other’s thoughts and identify any common themes or patterns.
5. Whole-Class Discussion (15 minutes):
   • Bring the class together for a whole-group discussion.
   • Invite each small group to share their key takeaways and insights from their discussions.
   • Encourage students to ask clarifying questions and make connections between different groups’ ideas.
6. Wrap-Up (5 minutes):
   • Summarize the key points and themes that emerged from the discussion.
   • Provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their learning and identify areas for further exploration.

Differentiation:

• Group Size: Start with pairs for low-confidence students; move to larger groups for advanced learners.
• Question Difficulty: Provide tiered prompts with varying complexity for different learning levels.
• Roles: Assign roles like notetaker, discussion leader, and timekeeper to support participation.
• Visual Aids: Provide graphic organizers, Mind Maps, or key vocabulary lists for diverse learners.

Technology Integration: 

• Discussion Software: Utilize digital platforms like Padlet, Mentimeter, or Flipgrid for asynchronous or remote participation.
• Polls and Quizzes: Use quick online polls to gauge understanding and personalize discussions.
• Collaborative Documents: Encourage group work and shared notes through Google Docs or Padlet.