This document provides an overview of the fishbowl discussion technique for learner training. It defines a fishbowl discussion as a group dialogue with an inner and outer circle that allows both direct and indirect participation. The objectives are to hone large group discussion skills, generate and answer questions on issues, and provide/receive feedback. Preparation involves assigned readings. A fishbowl consists of essential questions, sticky notes for feedback, and concluding with personal feedback exchanged between participants. The document demonstrates the technique with sample discussion topics and questions.

1. LEARNER TRAINING:
INTRODUCTION TO
THE FISHBOWL DISCUSSION

2. TODAY’S AGENDA
OVERVIEW OF OBJECTIVES
INTRODUCTORY VIDEO: FISHBOWL DISCUSSION
OVERVIEW: WHAT IS FISHBOWL DISCUSSION?
WHAT DOES A FISHBOWL DISCUSSION LOOK LIKE?
THE FISHBOWL GOAL
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A FISHBOWL
WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A FISHBOWL?
GIVING / RECEIVING FEEDBACK
ASSESSMENT
SIMULATION EXERCISE: FISHBOWL DISCUSSION

3. OBJECTIVES
Participants will be able to hone and expand the understanding of medium-large
discussion groups.
Participants will be able to produce and answer a range of questions that address
a particular problem or issue.
Participants will be able to provide and obtain feedback from members of the
teacher training team on areas related to verbal skills, motivation, and other traits
and characteristics of the group
Participants will be able to provide feedback about the teacher training session,
highlighting what they have learned, what they are confused about, and what they
would like to know more about.

4. Common Listening: Fishbowl Strategy Explained

5. THE FISHBOWL DISCUSSION
OVERVIEW: WHAT IS IT?
A FISHBOWL DISCUSSION IS A GROUP DIALOGUE
FORMAT CONSISTING OF AN INSIDE CIRCLE AND
AN OUTSIDE CIRCLE. THIS ALLOWS THE CLASS
TO PARTICIPATE BOTH DIRECTLY (AS SPEAKERS)
AND INDIRECTLY (AS LISTENERS, WRITERS).

6. What Does a Fishbowl Discussion Look Like?
One thing I
learned…
Listeners/Writers
Speakers
Instructor

7. The Fishbowl Goal
Engage students in collaborative group discussions on a range topics,
texts, and issues, building on each other’s ideas and expressing their
own clearly.
- As students to debrief the content of what they were asked to study
in class or for homework, and share their thoughts, ideas, and
opinions (likes, dislikes, agreements, disagreements, etc.) with each
other about the assigned topic with explanations.
- Encourage students to ask each other relevant questions they have
about the topic to their peers (in the inside circle)

8. How to Prepare for a Fishbowl
You will be assigned 1-2 readings (articles, chapters) for in-
class OR for homework due the following class. TED talks are
also assigned. Some readings could be from…
● The Course Textbook
● Harvard Business Review
● The Guardian
● The Washington Post
● The Boston Globe
● The New York Times
● The LA Times
● Etc.

9. What is Needed for a Fishbowl?
1-2 Essential Questions/Discussion Topics
- Ex. [Business] Topic: Affirmative Action
- If an organization wants to increase intellectual diversity, is it
reasonable to use race and gender as markers for how people
think, or does that just perpetuate racial and gender
stereotypes?
Sticky Notes and/or Index Cards
- Students listening to the discussion in the outside circle should
write notes on their partner’s speaking content, language use, and
any constructive feedback they wish to provide to their partner
(volume, voice inflection, participation, etc.)

10. CONCLUDE WITH PERSONAL FEEDBACK
● When the second group is done speaking, have
students turn to their observers to exchange feedback.

12. Let’s Practice
Group:
DO YOU THINK COOPERATIVE LEARNING IS
USEFUL FOR PREPARING STUDENTS TO
BECOME PROFESSIONALS?
WHY OR WHY NOT?

13. Let’s Practice
Group:
DO YOU THINK DISCUSSION-BASED LEARNING
IS USEFUL FOR PREPARING STUDENTS TO
BECOME PROFESSIONALS?
WHY OR WHY NOT?