FISHBOWL CLASS DISCUSSION

1. Four seats are placed, in a circle, in the center of the room.

2. All other seats a pushed to the walls for seating for non-participants.

3. The four students in the circle, the fishbowl, are the only ones allowed to speak in the room. There is to
be no conversation outside of the circle. The teacher chooses the students in the circle, at random.

4. The students engage in discussion on a topic presented, as an open-ended question, by other students.

5. All participants must abide by the rules of civil discussion and common courtesy.

6. The teacher does not participate in the discussion except to terminate an irrelevant, or inappropriate,
line of discussion.

Discussion Rubric

Discussion Rubric 3 2 1 0

Analysis of Frequently provides Contributes only on Doesn’t contribute Does not contribute in
discussion topic analysis that is some talking points. much/provides superficial any meaningful way.
insightful. analysis

Reference to Always refers to Usually refers to Occasionally refers to Never refers to

specific evidence specific evidence specific evidence specific evidence from the specific evidence
(quotes) from the from the text when from the text when text when discussing all from the text when
text discussing all topics. discussing all topics. topics. discussing all topics.

Uses civil Engages others in the Invites comments Does not invite comments Does not invite
discussion and discussion by inviting from others and does from others but allows comments from
common courtesy their contributions not acknowledge others to speak. Does not others nor
and acknowledging their statements. acknowledge contributions acknowledge their
their contributions. from others. statements.