With classes up to 30, half of the class moves into a small circle in the middle of the classroom with the rest of the class in a larger circle. The inner group then discusses the topic with the outside group listening. The groups can then be changed so that the outside group has to listen carefully to be able to carry on the discussion. The focus can be on applying thinking skills to whatever topic is being discussed. The teacher does not belong to any one group.
Students can learn to think and later apply what they have learned.
Some teachers move around the classroom listening to groups, some drop into groups and participate a little, while other teachers let the groups function on their own. Some instructors answer questions after the group activities but do not monitor the group activities. Some instructors keep the same groups through the entire course, some make changes once or twice, some allow students to change at midsemester, while some use these groups for a topic and then change membership. This type of group is used often with problem solving and creativity. The buzz group can be used with critical thinking skills.