Time needed: 15 min
Why? The carousel conversation, learning or carousel roundtable called, is a temporary oral exchange of information on a given topic. Participants sit or stand opposite each other in pairs.
When? The aim of the method is an exercise in free speech against random partners. The method can be used as a “warmup” to discuss a new topic with the participation of all students. The frequent change of partners bring different partners together. Through active participation to the self-confidence and increased the threshold for active participation in discussions will be overcome. As a matter of the reports themselves are only narrowly defined topics and information.
How? 1. The process is explained by the moderator. 2. The plenum is halved. 3. The first group forms an inner circle, the second an outer circle. Participants sit or stand opposite each other and facing each other. 4. Participants receive a research question, which they exchange with the counterpart. Reported the first person in the inner circle and outer circle listens. 5. Following a signal by the moderator tells the outer circle and listens to the opponent.This first round can be kept relatively short. Depending on the subject as a reference value twice for two minutes.
The second round starts with the comment: “The outer circle (inner circle) is about two (3 or more) positions clockwise”. With the new comparison of the sequence repeats itself. In the second or third round of questions can also admitted statements supplemented or reinforced reciprocated and thus a discussion partners can be triggered. When switching can also move both circuits, but in the opposite direction. This gives all participants a small activation and get a “fresh perspective”.
Option 1: the inner circle and outer circle have different themes or issues which they mutually agree or answer.
Option 2: In the second round can be a constructive, deeper questions can be selected.
Any risks? Experience has shown that four to five phases with different interview questions will be carried out without a concentration gap. If a joint plenary session will discuss the same time, a certain noise level is not ruled out. Nevertheless, this method is completely straightforward. In general, participants are quickly to the conditions and move a little closer together. In difficult issues they begin to circle, in which there are the “stronger” participants. Thus, the supposedly “weaker” Participants get further explanation. Although once a call pair should not talk about the task: So many participants, who nevertheless share the same professional on a given topic, is rarely found in other methods.
