Supplies needed

• A case, literature or problem to be discussed
• A3 paper (or even bigger) and writing materials. Other option is an online tool, such as Microsoft Whiteboard to write down answers/ insights
• Timer

Set-up classroom

Using a large classroom is suggested. Create an setting of groups in a round for 4 persons or else depending on sub-group size.

Optionally: using a Learning Plaza or the Teaching & Learning Lab could be suggested, due to its extra flexibility in set-up.

Step 1

Set up groups of four* students, with the four students sitting around a large paper sheet, A3 size or larger. On this sheet, draw lines as in this picture (without the text). Each student has its own box on this sheet to fill in answers.

*With other group sizes, you can adjust the layout of the placemat:

Step 2

Ask a question and let the students think about it and write down their own answers individually and without discussion in their own box on the paper. After a limited time defined by you as a teacher (e.g. 5 minutes), students should start discussing and deliberating with each other about their given answers. Through this discussion, students are forming group answers. They write down the answers they all agree with in the middle box. It is explicitly not the intention that this box contains all the answers given by the 4 students, it is about a collective answer.

Step 3

After formulating the group answers, further classroom exchange can take place, for example by having each group explain the joint answer or by hanging up the papersheets and having the groups ask questions to each other.