The Lightning Round Technique
The Lightning Round Technique is an interactive teaching method.
Setup Instructions
- Split the group into two sides or teams.
- Assign teams to face one another (e.g., inner and outer circle or two parallel lines).
- Ensure that only one person is in contact with another.
Interaction Guidelines
- Conduct the interaction like a debate on a topic with opposing viewpoints.
- One side adopts a stance, while the other side adopts the opposite stance.
- Only the student and the person they are facing can communicate.
- Interaction time is limited to just one or two minutes.
- One student talks for a minute, and then the other student answers.
- After time is up, one line or circle moves to partner with a new person.
- Roles typically change for the subsequent interaction (e.g., pro turns into con).
Benefits of the Technique
- Students hear a wide range of viewpoints from their peers.
- This quick exercise can be performed four to five times.
- Five rounds only take ten to thirteen minutes.
- Students are exposed to a wide range of viewpoints.
- Encourages everyone to move.
- Even shy students participate; they are typically open to conversing.
- The conversation is fairly safe as neither the instructor nor others can easily overhear.
- Students develop an argument.
- Enables students to hear other people's arguments.
- Allows them to contextualize their response, argument, or opinion.
- Enables them to swiftly hear the thoughts and reactions of numerous peers.
Alternative Approach
- Ask students to solve a problem or perform a calculation in advance.
- Students have one minute to explain their strategy to their partner.
- The partner has one minute to describe their strategy.
- Allows students to observe how others approach the task.
- Enables students to consider their strategy in a broader context.
- Students can alter their opinions based on earlier pairings.
- As they progress, students are allowed to iterate and develop opinions/approaches.
Drawbacks of the Technique
- One drawback is that it is extremely noisy.
- Depending on the class, individuals, personalities, and budget, this might not be the best method.
Reflection Time
- Students should be given one to three minutes to sit down and reflect after an activity.
- Consider what they have learnt.
- Consider whether, how, and why their response changed.
Post-Activity Report Out
- Post-Activity Report Out - Following reflection, a large group report out is typically conducted.
- The goal is to compare their initial thoughts with their current thoughts after hearing from others.
- It is crucial for the instructor to determine whether a significant misunderstanding was spread during the activity and whether it requires correction.
