inside-outside+circle

= ** inside-outside circle ** =

by Rachel Pentecost

media type="custom" key="6131549"

Directions:

 * Students are put into pairs.
 * Students then stand in two concentric circles, facing their partner. The inside circle (A's) faces out; the outside circle (B's) faces in.
 * Students ask each other questions about a review topic, which can be either teacher or student generated.
 * Students from one the circles rotate to either the left or the right (teacher determines how many steps and in which direction).
 * Another question is asked and answered.

Hints and Management Ideas:

 * Pre-assign groups.
 * Change partners. Move the outside or inside circle at least one step in either direction so students have the opportunity to communicate with more than one partner.
 * Monitor the discussions for common misconceptions and to make sure the students are on task.
 * If there is an odd number in the class, the teacher will be part of the circle.

Advantages to using this strategy:

 * Students have the opportunity to be both the teachers and learners.
 * Great opportunity to use English and hear English modeling.
 * When students have appropriate "think time" the quality of their responses improves.
 * Encourages community building among students.
 * Some students find it more comfortable to enter into a discussion with another classmate rather than with a large group.
 * Facilitates peer tutoring and checking for different levels of knowledge acquisition.
 * No specific materials are needed for the strategy, so it can easily be incorporated into lessons.
 * A great way to get your students moving!