This activity is an excellent way to gauge the level of student interest and prior knowledge. It utilises a station-based structure, where every student contributes their own perspectives or opinions to a broader discussion. It is ideal for reflecting on a complex or important idea, or introducing a concept or unit.
Students should be encouraged for their contributions as the activity progresses, acknowledging attempts at humour and the diversity of views.
1. Explain the activity
Orientate the students to the activity by explaining the expectations around contributions and behaviour.
Introduce the class to the questions or statements that will be on the posters – clarifying the purpose and meaning of each.
2. Initial Student Response
Students move around the room adding short comments or questions to the posters. They can add whatever comes to mind for them.
Allow the students to continue this task until the majority of the group has contributed to each poster.
3. Student Survey of Responses
Instruct the students to move around reading what their peers have contributed to each poster, adding a tick to any comment or question they resonate with.
This can be followed by the students copying down the best responses for each poster.
4. Teacher Feedback
To conclude the activity the teacher settles the students and then provides some commentary on each poster – noting responses that are interesting, thoughtful, humorous or thought provoking.