Knowledge building

Goal: building knowledge
Length: 15 minutes
Group size: group of 4-6 students
Materials: pen and paper

Instructions:

Divide the class into smaller groups of 4–6 students. Provide each student with a sheet of paper.
Ask every student to briefly and clearly write down one thought related to the topic of the lesson.
Each one passes their paper to the student next to them, who adds a thought or a critical comment as a follow-up. Continue passing the papers around, with students adding ideas each time, until everyone receives their original sheet back.
Students then discuss the collected thoughts and ideas within their group.
Finally, the teacher can lead a whole-class discussion, highlighting interesting points or insights that emerged.

Goal: broadening or deepening knowledge
Length: 45-60+ minutes
Group size: as many small groups as there are sub-topics
Materials: Flipcharts and markers

Preparations:
Divide the main topic of the class into smaller sub-topics. Ensure the number of sub-topics matches the number of groups that can be formed.

External link: Tevere, Näyttelykävely (in Finnish)

Online adaption:

Create an online whiteboard for each group so they can share their ideas.
Remind students in breakout rooms to save their ideas and findings. Create new breakout rooms that include one member from each original group.

Instructions:

Introduce and explain the main topic to the students.
Present the sub-topics. Divide students into groups according to the number of sub-topics. Groups can be formed randomly or based on interest or expertise.
Provide each group with a flipchart to work on their sub-topic. Students collaborate to gather as much information as possible on their assigned sub-topic. Once complete, display the flipcharts around the room or hang them on the walls. The students are now experts in their own sub-topic. Time: 10–15 minutes.
Regroup so that each new group includes at least one expert from each sub-topic.
Students circulate between the flipcharts, with each expert explaining the findings and ideas. Other students can discuss and ask questions.
After all flipcharts have been reviewed, hold a whole-class discussion. Ask students to share the most important findings, ideas and thoughts. Encourage students to take photos of the flipcharts for later reference.

Goal: building knowledge, creativity, brainstorming
Length: 45–60+ minutes
Group size: as many small groups as there are sub-topics, ideally groups of 4–6 students
Materials: flipcharts, markers/pens

Preparations:
Divide the main topic of the class into smaller sub-topics. Ensure the number of sub-topics matches the number of groups that can be formed.

External link: Innokylä, Learning Cafe eli oppimiskahvila (in Finnish)

Online adaption:

Set up an online whiteboard for each group.
Instead of closing the breakout rooms and creating new ones for each session, move participants between the existing breakout rooms.

Instructions:

Introduce and explain the main topic of the class.
Divide students into smaller groups and assign a sub-topic for each group. Provide each group with a flipchart and markers. Each group elects a chairperson.
Students discuss their sub-topic and write down key ideas and findings on the flipchart. The chairperson guides the discussion and ensures that everyone contributes. Time: 10-15 minutes.
After the first discussion, students rotate to new groups while the chairperson stays with their original flipchart. In the new group, the chairperson explains the previous discussion, and students add new ideas or comments. Time: 10-15 minutes.
Repeat this process once or until most students have contributed to multiple or all sub-topics. Rotate chairpersons if possible, so everyone has a chance to contribute to other sub-topics as well.
After all rotations, chairpersons present their flipcharts to the whole class.
Conclude with a group discussion to summarise key findings and allow for in-depth questions.

Snowball

Gallery walk

Learning Café