Round Robin
Each person contributes in turn, no skipping
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
SEL Competencies
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
When to Use It
Grade Bands
Subject Fit
How to Run a Round Robin
Form Small Groups
Divide the class into heterogeneous groups of 3-5 students to ensure a variety of perspectives and manageable turn-taking.
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.
Provide Silent Think Time
Give students 30-60 seconds of 'wait time' to process the question and formulate their individual thoughts before speaking.
Designate a Starting Student
Identify one student in each group to begin the sharing process to avoid confusion and delays in starting.
Facilitate Sequential Sharing
Instruct students to share one idea at a time, moving clockwise or counter-clockwise, while others listen without interrupting or debating.
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.
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.
Reflective Practice
Primary 5 · Art
Refining the Artist Statement
Secondary 4 · Art
Consensus and Compromise
Primary 6 · CCE
Climate Justice
JC 1 · English Language
Sequencing Events Chronologically
Primary 2 · English Language
Pronouns and Antecedents
Primary 2 · English Language
Tenses and Time Markers
Primary 3 · English Language
The Power of Connectors
Primary 4 · English Language
Active Listening Strategies
Primary 5 · English Language
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Round Robin teaching strategy?
How do I use Round Robin in my classroom?
What are the benefits of Round Robin for students?
What is the difference between Round Robin and Round Table?
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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.