High-Impact Teaching Practices: Engaging Students Through Fishbowl Discussions
When: Thursday, October 16th, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Modality: In-Person.
Where: Center for Faculty Development and Innovation, Lovejoy Library (2nd Floor) 2030.
Facilitator: Jessica Hutchins (Honors).
Description: The fishbowl discussion is a powerful, high-impact teaching strategy that promotes active learning, deep engagement, and equitable participation. In this workshop, faculty will explore how to implement and adapt the fishbowl technique to create dynamic classroom conversations where students practice both speaking and listening skills. In a fishbowl, a small group of students discusses a topic in an inner circle while peers observe from an outer circle, then rotate roles. This structure encourages diverse voices, fosters reflective thinking, and transforms classroom dialogue into a student-centered learning experience. Participants will experience a fishbowl firsthand, analyze its benefits, and receive practical guidance for integrating it into their own courses. We will cover strategies for setting clear expectations, preparing students with pre-class work, and designing reflective follow-up assignments to reinforce learning. Faculty will leave with step-by-step implementation tips, sample prompts, and ideas for adapting the method to various class sizes, disciplines, and learning outcomes. Whether used to explore complex course concepts, analyze case studies, or build communication skills, fishbowl discussions create an inclusive, engaging environment that deepens understanding and prepares students for collaborative problem-solving beyond the classroom.
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