The students divide into their groups so that one or more present their idea or solution at their table, while the other students move around and listen to the different presentations.
This method supports students’ ability to communicate their ideas clearly, listen actively to others’ presentations, and ask clarifying questions.
The students prepare their presentation by tidying their table and arranging their materials. These materials can include descriptions, drawings, prototypes, and so on.
Each group selects one or two students to stay at the table and present their idea or solution to the students who come by.
Presentation round 1 begins. The other students in the group move around and listen to the presentations from the other groups, while the hosts receive visitors from those groups. The visiting students are encouraged to spread out and ask clarifying questions about the presentations, but they must not take over the presentation.
Ring a bell or give a signal when it’s time for the guests to move on to a new table.
After an agreed amount of time, the roles are switched so that the students who were presenting now move around and listen, and vice versa.
The process continues for an agreed period of time. Ring the bell and ask the students who are visiting to return to their own group.
Didactic tips
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Students can create a short guideline with key points they want to present to make their message more focused.
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You may set criteria for their presentations, for example, that at their table they should show something written, a drawing, and something physical (a prototype, artefact, etc.).
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Encourage students to take notes or reflect on the ideas they have heard and how they can use them in their own work. You can provide a framework for what they should listen for and/or bring back to their own group.
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It is not necessary for every student to hear presentations from all groups. Therefore, it is a good idea for the visiting students from the same groups to spread out.
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Instead of ringing a bell every time visitors need to move to a new table, students can be encouraged to move on when they have heard enough.
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This method can be used in project-based learning, where students share their work with each other and get inspiration from others.