Naughty round table

Last Tuesday, the Faculty Learning Community (FLC) learned a new learning strategy to embed into our courses.  The strategy is called “Naughty Round Table.” The premise of the activity is to allow students to share a problem with their peers and solicit feedback.  “Naughty Round Table” works best with groups of three. Here is the basic structure of the activity:

• Step 1: (2 min) All students write about down a specific problem they are having (could be with the assignment, could be with a roommate, etc.)
• Step 2: (2 min) The first person shares their problem for 2 mins.  (FLC discovered that 1 minute was long enough, so user discretion advised).
• Step 3: (2 min) For the next 2 minutes, the other two people in the group provide feedback or  brainstorm possible solutions. The person who shared the problem just listens.
• Step 4: (2 min) The second person shares their problem for 2 mins. 
• Step 5: (2 min) For 2 minutes, the other two people in the group provide feedback or  brainstorm possible solutions. The person who shared the problem just listens.
• Step 6: (2 min) Then repeat one more time for the third person to share a problem.
• Step 7: (2 min) For the next 2 minutes, the other two people in the group provide feedback or  brainstorm possible solutions. The person who shared the problem just listens.
• Step 8 (optional): Have all of the students reflect on what they learned, heard, or are thinking about in relation to the problem they presented.

Ways to diversify the activity:  extend the times for more feedback, use this strategy to discuss the readings, or have more rounds of sharing.  

I plan to use this strategy for students to talk about their papers and then be given some feedback or ideas to consider from their peers. How would or could you apply the “Naughty Round Table” learning strategy to your course(s)?