The Fishbowl is a versatile and engaging discussion strategy that promotes active participation, deepens comprehension, and fosters critical thinking skills among students. It involves dividing students into two groups: an inner circle of participants engaged in a focused discussion, and an outer circle of observers taking notes and preparing to join the discussion. This dynamic exchange encourages active listening, thoughtful contributions, and peer feedback.

Materials:

• Chairs or stools arranged in two circles, one inside the other, create a Fishbowl effect
• Whiteboard or flipchart for note-taking
• Markers or pens
• Timer (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Introduce the Fishbowl activity and explain the roles of participants and observers.
2. Topic Selection (5 minutes):
   • Choose a discussion topic that is relevant to the current curriculum or lesson.
3. Grouping (2 minutes):
   • Divide the class into two groups: an inner circle of 4-6 students and an outer circle of the remaining students.
4. Inner Circle Discussion (10-15 minutes):
   • Provide the inner circle with clear discussion guidelines and prompt questions.
5. Outer Circle Observation (10-15 minutes):
   • Instruct the outer circle to take notes, observe the discussion dynamics, and identify key points raised.
6. Role Rotation  (5-7 minutes):
   • After a specified time (5-10 minutes), invite students from the outer circle to join the inner circle, and vice versa.
7. Debriefing  (10-15 minutes):
   • Facilitate a class discussion to summarize key points, address any questions, and reflect on the overall experience.

Differentiation:

• Inner Circle Size: Vary the number of students in the Fishbowl to cater to different discussion styles and comfort levels.
• Entry Points: Provide multiple prompts or questions that spark discussion, allowing students to explore their interests within the broader topic.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assign specific roles in the Fishbowl (moderator, note-taker, devil’s advocate) to utilize diverse strengths and learning preferences.
• Pre-Fishbowl Tasks: Offer different pre-discussion activities for different learning styles, like analyzing visuals, researching specific aspects, or writing personal responses.

Technology Integration:

• Online Forums: Extend the discussion beyond the classroom through asynchronous online forums, allowing for deeper reflection and participation beyond real-time.
• Collaborative Mind Maps: Use digital mind mapping tools to visually capture and organize key ideas and connections emerging from the “Fishbowl.”
• Audio Recordings: Record the discussion and revisit it later for analysis, reflection, or peer feedback.