One benefit of using Interactive activities in the classroom is receiving diverse opinions and responses. As a facilitator, have you ever asked a group of students an open-ended question with no response? Why does this happen? It could be students are shy or they are afraid to give the wrong answer?
Sometimes, students need additional thinking time in order to answer the question. One solution is to ask the same question while students are in small groups. Afterwards, have the group answer your question.
In small groups, youth can reflect and reply to the various responses of their group members. Hearing diverse responses can channel ideas in other group members, encouraging shy members to participate. Groups can incorporate diversity whether it is different genders, cultural differences, or religion. Children can also have different preferences in sports, clothing, and genre of music. Communication with a variety of people can teach children how to understand others’ views.
How to apply it
- Break students up into groups of 3 or 4.
- Ensure groups are diverse.
- Ask students an open-ended question or present a problem the group.
- Give groups 5 minutes to answer the question or create a solution to the problem.
- Tell groups to pick one representative to present the group’s answer or solution.
- After all groups have presented, then reflect.
- Reflect by asking…
- Which answer or solution did you like the best?
- Did anyone in your group disagree or agree with an answer?
- What did you learn from your group members?
