A fish bowl discussion is a classroom technique where a small group of students discuss a topic in the center while the rest of the class listens from outside the circle. As the discussion progresses, the teacher replaces students in the inner circle to give others a chance to participate. This strategy allows different viewpoints to be shared and teaches social skills. However, it can be challenging for students with attention or speaking issues to remain engaged from the outer circle. The teacher must also ensure all students have an equitable chance to contribute to the discussion.

1. Tuerk Martin

2. The Idea
A fish bowl discussion is a neat concept in the way it interacts
with the students. It can altered for different subjects and
class size. The main idea is to create a controlled classroom
discussion on one topic. The students will be given a topic to
study and research. Then a small group of students will start
discussing the topic while the rest of the class sit around
them taking notes and not contributing. The students in the
middle are the fish and the class is the bowl. As they go into
the conversation the teacher will go and tap one of the inner
students and replace them with one from the outside. They
will do this until they make it all the way around the class.

3. The Layout
Student will be
arranged in a circle
With the small group
in the middle.

4. Fishbowl Pro’s
 You get many ideas and point of views
 It will help teach different social skills
 This can reach a variety of topics
 This type of discussion can work all ages

5. Fishbowl Con’
 For students who have a hard time paying attention it
can be a challenge on the outer circle.
 Making sure there is a balance in the time students are
speaking
 For students who have stage fright or difficulties
speaking in front of others
 You want to keep your student deliberating and not
debating.

6.  Here is one of the videos that I’ve found helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKIgOvFmXVo
 There are many websites on this teaching strategy.
Here are few that I found to be helpful.
http://betterevaluation.org/evaluation-options/
fishbowltechnique
http://allthejoyihad.blogspot.com/
http://www.choices.edu/resources/prosandcons.php