Round Robin

Round Robin

Each person contributes in turn, no skipping

10–25 min8–35 studentsChairs in a circle or small group clusters

At a Glance

Duration

10–25 min

Group Size

8–35 students

Space Setup

Chairs in a circle or small group clusters

Materials

  • Discussion prompt
  • Speaking object (optional, e.g., talking stick)
  • Recording sheet

Bloom's Taxonomy

RememberUnderstandAnalyze

SEL Competencies

Relationship SkillsSelf-Management

What is Round Robin?

Round Robin is a structured brainstorming strategy that ensures equitable participation by requiring every student in a small group to contribute an idea in a sequential, circular fashion. It works because it eliminates the 'loudest voice' bias, lowers the barrier for participation for introverted students, and prevents premature consensus during complex problem-solving. By providing a predictable turn-taking structure, teachers can effectively facilitate divergent thinking and ensure that all students process information actively before moving to convergent synthesis. This methodology is rooted in cooperative learning theory, which posits that individual accountability and positive interdependence are essential for cognitive gains. Beyond simple participation, it serves as a formative assessment tool, allowing instructors to gauge the collective understanding of a group through the diversity of their responses. It is particularly effective for generating lists, identifying prior knowledge, or reviewing content where multiple perspectives or answers are possible, fostering a classroom culture of mutual respect and shared intellectual labor.

Ideal for

Ensuring every student participatesGenerating diverse ideas quicklyBuilding classroom communityQuick formative assessment

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 ✓3-5 ★6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ✓ELA ★Science ★Social Studies ★SEL ★Arts ✓

How to Run a Round Robin

1

Form Small Groups

Divide the class into heterogeneous groups of 3-5 students to ensure a variety of perspectives and manageable turn-taking.

2

Pose an Open-Ended Prompt

Provide a question or problem that has multiple possible answers or facets to ensure the activity doesn't end prematurely.

3

Provide Silent Think Time

Give students 30-60 seconds of 'wait time' to process the question and formulate their individual thoughts before speaking.

4

Designate a Starting Student

Identify one student in each group to begin the sharing process to avoid confusion and delays in starting.

5

Facilitate Sequential Sharing

Instruct students to share one idea at a time, moving clockwise or counter-clockwise, while others listen without interrupting or debating.

6

Monitor and Record

Circulate the room to ensure groups are following the turn-taking rules and have one student per group act as a recorder for the shared ideas.

7

Conduct a Whole-Class Debrief

Transition from small groups to a full-class discussion to synthesize the best ideas and address any common misconceptions discovered during the rounds.

Research Evidence

Kagan, S.

2009 · Kagan Publishing, San Clemente, CA

The Round Robin structure promotes equal participation and individual accountability, which are core components of the PIES (Positive Interdependence, Individual Accountability, Equal Participation, and Simultaneous Interaction) framework.

Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T.

2009 · Educational Researcher, 38(5), 365-379

Structured turn-taking in cooperative groups significantly increases the level of cognitive processing and social support compared to unstructured group discussions.

Slavin, R. E.

2011 · Handbook of Research on Learning and Instruction, 344-360

Structured group interactions like Round Robin improve student achievement by ensuring that all learners engage in the elaboration of ideas rather than remaining passive observers.

Topics That Work Well With Round Robin

Browse curriculum topics where Round Robin is a suggested active learning strategy.

Theatrical Expression and Character

The Art of Improvisation

5th Grade · Visual & Performing Arts

The Art of Performance and Drama

Improvisation and Ensemble Building

6th Grade · Visual & Performing Arts

The Young Author's Workshop

Personal Narrative Writing

1st Grade · English Language Arts

The Craft of Writing and Expression

Narrative Craft and Sequencing

2nd Grade · English Language Arts

Collaborative Conversations

Critical Listening and Analysis

3rd Grade · English Language Arts

Collaborative Conversations and Inquiry

Interpreting Oral Information

4th Grade · English Language Arts

The Power of Voice: Speaking, Listening, and Collaboration

Evaluating Spoken Information

5th Grade · English Language Arts

Crafting the Argument

Revision and Peer Feedback

8th Grade · English Language Arts

Young Authors: Writing with Purpose

The Power of Revision

Kindergarten · English Language Arts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Round Robin teaching strategy?
Round Robin is a cooperative learning technique where students take turns sharing ideas orally in a small group setting. It is designed to promote equal participation and ensure that every student's voice is heard during the brainstorming process.
How do I use Round Robin in my classroom?
To use Round Robin, pose a question with multiple possible answers and have students sit in small groups. Each student shares one idea at a time in a circle, continuing until all ideas are exhausted or a time limit is reached.
What are the benefits of Round Robin for students?
The primary benefits include increased engagement, improved social skills, and the development of active listening. It specifically helps shy or marginalized students contribute without having to compete for airtime with more dominant peers.
What is the difference between Round Robin and Round Table?
Round Robin is primarily an oral sharing strategy, whereas Round Table involves students passing a single piece of paper and writing their responses. Both share the same goal of sequential participation but utilize different modalities of communication.
How can I prevent students from passing during Round Robin?
Allowing a 'pass' is acceptable to reduce anxiety, but you can encourage participation by providing 'think time' before the sharing begins. If a student passes, the group should return to them at the end of the round to see if the other ideas sparked a new thought.

Generate a Mission with Round Robin

Use Flip Education to create a complete Round Robin lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.

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