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Fishbowl

Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Estimated Duration: 30+ minutes

Table of Contents

Analyzing, Applying, Creating, Evaluating, Understanding
Check for understanding, Discussion, Inquiry
In-person, Virtual
small group, Whole class
Optional

Description

Fishbowl is a discussion strategy that provides an opportunity for all students to engage in discussion through speaking, active listening, and observing. Students form two concentric circles. The inner circle is the “fishbowl,” where students engage in discussion. Students in the outer circle observe, take notes, and reflect on the discussion their classmates are having. Teachers or students can facilitate the activity. The facilitator poses questions that elicit multiple viewpoints and ensures that all students in the fishbowl have an opportunity to respond. The facilitator also directs individual students from the outer circle to change places with a student in the fishbowl until everyone has had a chance to discuss and observe. The goal of a fishbowl is to build comprehension of topics, concepts, or issues while developing and modeling effective group discussion skills.

When To Use It

As a learning strategy, use fishbowl when you want students to:

  • prepare for an upcoming topic or make connections to a topic after engaging with learning materials
  • practice communicating and debating ideas and issues
  • practice active listening and responding respectfully to various viewpoints
  • observe and critique their peers and the group discussion process
  • reflect on participating in and observing a group discussion

As an instructional strategy, use fishbowl when you want to:

  • engage diverse learners in a group discussion process
  • assess student understanding of learning materials
  • explore topics, concepts, or issues from multiple perspectives
  • model effective group discussion techniques
  • reinforce comprehension of topics and concepts

How To Use It

Advance Prep

  1. Prepare goals or a rubric for the discussion. Consider the discussion skills you would like students to practice during the fishbowl.
  2. Identify open-ended questions for discussion related to the content topic or learning materials. Questions that elicit multiple perspectives and that have no single answer are best.
  3. Set up the discussion space so there is sufficient room for up to half of the class to sit in the inner circle for discussion while the rest of the class sits (or stands) outside the circle to observe. The number of students within the inner circle may vary, but six to 12 are recommended.
  4. Plan to allow students some time to prepare their initial response to the discussion prompt(s). Students may also prepare additional questions to pose during the discussion.
  5. Plan to discuss the rubric, norms, and rules for the discussion. Determine whether you will indicate when students should switch positions or allow students in the outer circle to tap a classmate when they want to change places and join the discussion. There are several variations for how to conduct the fishbowl, so determine what works best for your class.
  6. Prepare guidance or prompts for student observers. Consider what they should be listening for during the discussion, such as the content of the discussion and adherence to the norms and rubric. Decide how they will take notes during the discussion.
  7. Prepare reflection prompts for debriefing the discussion. Students might reflect on how well they adhered to the discussion norms and goals, what new insights they gained, or how they could have improved the discussion.

Implementation

  1. Introduce the fishbowl activity by reviewing the discussion procedure and the goals or rubric for the discussion.
  2. Collaborate with students to create a list of discussion norms.
    *As students work through the fishbowl process for the first few times, model and return to these norms to reinforce productive discussion skills.
  3. Share the discussion prompt and allow students time to prepare their initial responses. Students may work individually or in pairs to prepare for the discussion.
  4. Begin with the first prompt and facilitate the discussion by asking additional probing questions and encouraging students to do the same. Moderate the discussion to ensure that all students get a chance to speak and observe. Circulate to ensure that students on the outside of the circle are actively listening and taking notes.
  5. Debrief the discussion. Ask students to reflect on the process and what they experienced, observed, or learned from the discussion.

Pros

  • Promotes an inclusive and supportive learning environment
  • Provides a structure for managing a group discussion
  • Promotes active listening and social skills
  • Builds comprehension skills

Cons

  • Students need sufficient practice with this method before they can independently lead and participate in productive fishbowl discussions.
  • Some students may be uncomfortable being watched during the group discussion.
  • The discussion must be moderated to prevent some students from dominating.

Culturally Responsive Application

Fishbowl aligns well with culturally responsive teaching, as it provides an opportunity for all students to share their diverse perspectives. Teachers can choose discussion topics that are culturally significant and, with students, establish norms for discussion that promote inclusivity, anti-bias communication, and a supportive learning environment.

Emerging English Language Support

Fishbowl strategy enhance teaching speaking through observation sheet and field notes.

Students with Disabilities Support

A fishbowl discussion makes for an excellent pre-writing activity, often unearthing questions or ideas that students can explore more deeply in an independent assignment.

Subjects

1.1 Literature, 1.2 Informational texts, 1.5 Speaking and listening, 1.7 Reading in science & technical subjects, 1.8 Reading in history & social studies, 2.1 K-8 mathematics, 2.2 High school number & quantity, 2.3 High school algebra, 2.4 High school functions, 2.5 High school geometry, 2.6 High school statistics & probability, 3.1 Earth and space science, 3.2 Life science, 3.3 Physical science, 3.4 Engineering, technology, and application of science, 4.1 Civics, 4.2 Economics, 4.3 Geography, 4.4 History, 5.5 Impacts of computing

Why It Works

Fishbowl strategy improve student enthusiasm, engagement and student outcome in English (REF67).

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