M9: Snowball Discussions

In a Snowball Discussion, students begin in pairs and respond to a teacher-provided discussion question only with a single partner.

After both partners have had a chance to share their ideas, the pair joins another pair, creating a group of four. Pairs share their ideas with the pair they just joined.

Next, groups of four join together to form groups of eight, and so on, until the whole class is joined up in one large discussion.

The following video is a version of this technique implemented in a 9th grade French class. As you watch it, take notes about how you could modify what this teacher is doing to make it fit your desired role as a teacher.

• If you want to teach 3rd grade, how might this look? In what content area do you envision it fitting best?
• If you are interested in Life Skills, how could this approach be used?

There is not one correct answer here - your application will be unique to you, your philosophy, and your personality! You will use this information when you reflect in the Module 6 Journal assignment.  

Interested in using a (completely different) "Snowball Discussion" to get class focused on the topic right away? Check out what this teacher recommends as an opening activity.