Truth Statements Ask several small groups to decide on three things they know to be true about some particular issue. This is useful when introducing a new topic which students think they know well, but where their assumptions need to be examined. Kisses and Crackers To overcome the flagging of attention, when you notice energy and attention diminishing, pass out crackers and Hershey's kisses. Not only does the food wake students up, the mere act of passing the bags around changes the activity and refocuses attention. He says that this also helps students feel good about his class and him and overcome science anxiety.
Variations are to ask each student to write a sheet or to have small groups do so.
This gives a visual reading of the continuum of feelings in the group. Next, sort students into heterogeneous groups for discussion by grouping one from either end with two from the middle. Ask students to listen to differing viewpoints in their groups and to paraphrase opposing positions fairly. Forced Debate Ask all students who agree with a proposition to sit on one side of the room and all opposed on the other side. Hanging signs describing the propositions helps.