METHOD

Talking Chips

Equipped with a speaking token that ensures everyone in the group gets a turn, the students discuss a question.

The method trains students to take turns in a group conversation and to listen while others are speaking.

1

Hand out a ‘talking chips’—e.g., a pencil or a centicube—to each student. The students sit in groups around their own tables.

2

Ask a challenging or thought-provoking question that invites students to take a position. For example: Should politicians place limits on how much clothing a person can buy? Is it more climate-friendly to buy second-hand clothes? Give the students some thinking time.

3

The student who wants to speak places talking chip in the middle of the table and starts the conversation. The next student in the group who wants to speak places their chip and makes their contribution.

4

The conversation continues until everyone has placed their chip and said something.

5

The students take back their chip, and the process can continue from step 2 until there is nothing more to say or the time is up.

Didactic tips:

  • Optionally, give the groups multiple ‘talking chips’ so that each student can contribute several times throughout the activity.
  • Consider summarising key points you’ve heard from students during their group discussions.
  • The method is used in activity XXX
Tags: Discussing, listening
Inspired by Cooperative Learning by Spencer Kagan
You must be logged in to use this feature.
EngageInvestigateAct

MODES OF ORGANISATION:

  • Group

TOOLS / MATERIALS:

  • Talking chips (e.g. a pencil or a centicube)