Students typically can generate more comprehensive lists working in groups than they can alone. This method is particularly effective when asking students to compare views or to list the pros and cons of a position. Students then list everything they can think of to support these positions on the relevant side of the vertical line. Once students have generated as thorough a list as they can, the instructor asks them to analyze the lists by asking questions that are appropriate to the exercise. Large Group Consensus .
Small groups discuss an issue for a time and report their conclusions to the whole assembly.
After every group is heard from, they are given additional information if necessary, and return to small-group deliberations. The process is repeated until they achieve a consensus on the problem. Buzz Groups . This technique insures student participation in large classes. During lecture when you come to a concept that lends itself to discussion, ask students to form groups of from five to eight people to talk about the issue.