Inner/Outer Circle
Inner/Outer circle is a student centered discussion strategy that allows students to receive/give multiple views on a teacher generated topic/question.
Objective: To create critical thinking skills among students.
Classroom Applications:
Class discussion tool
Pre-writing strategy
Critical thinking skills to enable students to formulate questions
Develops debating skills
Increases listening skills
How it Works:
Inner Circle:
Teacher sets a time limit (or monitors an appropriate length of time).
Inner Circle Students: Start the discussion with their thoughts on a pre-arranged teacher question.
May not respond to other discussions.
May have/take notes.
Outer Circle:
Listens First, the Responds with thoughtful, respectful questions to extend the discussion.
No yes/no questions allowed
May take notes.
Teacher may OBSERVE ONLY.
Both circles observe respectful discussions.
Objective: To create critical thinking skills among students.
Classroom Applications:
Class discussion tool
Pre-writing strategy
Critical thinking skills to enable students to formulate questions
Develops debating skills
Increases listening skills
How it Works:
Inner Circle:
Teacher sets a time limit (or monitors an appropriate length of time).
Inner Circle Students: Start the discussion with their thoughts on a pre-arranged teacher question.
May not respond to other discussions.
May have/take notes.
Outer Circle:
Listens First, the Responds with thoughtful, respectful questions to extend the discussion.
No yes/no questions allowed
May take notes.
Teacher may OBSERVE ONLY.
Both circles observe respectful discussions.