Materials of the workshop "round table technology". The magic of the circle, or How to organize a lesson "Round table

Round tables - This is one of the most popular formats for conducting scientific events. In fact, the Round Table is a platform for discussion of a limited number of people (usually no more than 25 people; by default, experts respected in a particular field of specialists).

But you should not use the concept of “round table” as a synonym for the concepts of “discussion”, “polemic”, “dialogue”. It is not right. Each of them has its own content, and it only partially coincides with the content of others. A round table is a form of organizing an exchange of views. What will be the nature of the exchange of views, this term does not indicate. In contrast, the concept of “discussion” suggests that during, for example, a “round table”, its participants not only make presentations on some issue, but also exchange remarks, clarify each other’s positions, etc. Within the framework of the discussion, free exchange of opinions (open discussion of professional issues). “Polemics” is a special type of discussion, during which some participants try to refute, “destroy” their opponents. "Dialogue", in turn, is a type of speech characterized by situationality (depending on the situation of the conversation), contextuality (conditional on previous statements), a small degree of organization, involuntaryness and unplanned character.

Round Table Goal - provide participants with the opportunity to express their point of view on the problem under discussion, and in the future formulate either a common opinion or clearly distinguish between the different positions of the parties.

Organizational features of the round tables:

the relative cheapness of holding in comparison with other "open" formats of events;

lack of a rigid structure, regulations. That is, the organizer has practically no tools to directly influence the program (you cannot force guests to say what the organizers require), but there are only indirect ones. For example, you can divide the entire discussion into several semantic blocks, thereby designing the structure of the event, but everything that happens within the framework of these blocks depends entirely on the leading Round Table; . significant restrictions in terms of the number of visitors;

chamberness of the event.

Moderation (management).

A key element of any Roundtable is moderation. The term “moderation” is derived from the Italian “moderare” and means “softening”, “restraint”, “moderation”, “curb”. The moderator is called the leading "round table". In the modern sense, moderation is understood as a technique for organizing communication, due to which group work becomes more focused and structured.

Lead task - not just announce the composition of the participants, identify the main topics of the event and start the Round Table, but hold in your hands everything that happens from beginning to end.

Rules for the participants of the round table:

the participant must be an expert on the topic under discussion;

do not agree to participate in the Round Table just for the very fact of participation.

Stages of preparation of round tables:

1. The choice of topics. Here, the general rule should be taken into account: the more specifically the theme is formulated, the better. In addition, the topic should be of interest to the audience.

2. Selection of the leader (moderator) and its preparation. The moderator should have such qualities as sociability, artistry, intelligence. Equally important is personal charm and a sense of tact.

3. Selection of participants and determination of experts of the Round Table. The essence of any round table is to attempt a “brainstorming” on a specific problem and find answers to some important questions. To do this, it is necessary to gather in one place people who have the necessary knowledge on a problem requiring coverage. These people are called experts or specialists. The initiator needs to identify potential experts who could give qualified answers to questions that arise as part of the discussion of the declared topic of the Round Table.

5. Preparation of the questionnaire for the participants of the Round Table - the purpose of the questionnaire is to quickly and without a lot of time and money to get an objective idea of \u200b\u200bthe opinion of the participants of the Round Table on the issues discussed. The questionnaire can be continuous (in which all participants of the Round Table are interviewed) or selective (in which part of the participants in the Round Table are interviewed).

6. Preparation of the preliminary resolution of the Round Table. The draft final document should include a stating part, which lists the problems that were discussed by the participants of the Round Table. The resolution may contain specific recommendations to libraries, methodological centers, governing bodies at various levels, developed during the discussion or decision, which can be implemented through certain measures, indicating the timing of their implementation and responsible.

Methodology of the Round Table.

The round table is opened by the leader. He represents the participants in the discussion, directs its progress, monitors the rules, which are determined at the beginning of the discussion, summarizes the results, summarizes constructive proposals. The discussion at the Round Table should be constructive in nature, should not be reduced, on the one hand, only to reports on the work done, and on the other, only to critical speeches. Messages should be short, no more than 10-12 minutes. The draft final document is announced at the end of the discussion (discussion), it is supplemented, modified, amended.

Options for holding round tables:

The first option - participants make presentations, then they are discussed. At the same time, the moderator takes a relatively modest part in the meeting - distributes the time of speeches, gives the floor to the participants in the discussion.

The second option - the facilitator interviews the participants of the Round Table or puts forward abstracts for discussion. In this case, he makes sure that all the participants speak out, “keeps” the discussion in line with the main problem, for which a round-table meeting has been organized. This way of holding the round table is of great interest to the audience. But he requires from the leader more skill and deep knowledge of the “nuances” of the problem under discussion.

The third option is “methodological gatherings”. The organization of such a round table has its own characteristics. For discussion, questions are proposed that are essential for solving some key tasks of the educational process. The topic of discussion is not announced in advance. In this case, the mastery of the leading Round Table consists in summoning listeners to a frank conversation on the issue under discussion and leading them to certain conclusions. The purpose of such "gatherings" is to form the correct point of view on a particular pedagogical problem; creating a favorable psychological climate in this group of students.

The fourth option is a “methodological dialogue”. In the framework of this form of the Round Table, the participants get acquainted in advance with the topic of discussion, and receive theoretical homework. A methodological dialogue is conducted on a specific problem between the moderator and the audience or between groups of students. The driving force of the dialogue is the culture of communication and the activity of listeners. Of great importance is the general emotional atmosphere, which allows you to evoke a sense of inner unity. In conclusion, a conclusion is drawn on the topic, a decision is made on further joint actions.

The presentation of the materials of the Round Table.

The most common options for publishing the results of the round-table discussions are as follows:

a brief (reduced) statement of all the presentations of the participants of the Round Table. In this case, the most important thing is selected. The text is given on behalf of the participants in the form of direct speech. At the same time, the leader of the Round Table should discuss with the speakers what exactly will be selected for printing from each speech. These rules dictate ethical requirements that must always be observed when working with authors of texts.

general summaryextracted from various speeches made during the discussion. In fact, these are general conclusions on the material that was sounded during the conversation or discussion of the Round Table.

full presentation of all participants' presentations.

Sat like a crescent moon in love and friendship
as one, where no one suspects the other, because they saw each other.
So that we can hear each other
and argue with each other until the right decision came out.
Rashi ("Commentary on the Babylonian Talmud")

A round table is a form of organizing a discussion of a topic in which several points of view were originally laid. The purpose of the round table is to identify contradictions, compare different points of view and choose acceptable positions and solutions for all participants.

Lesson in the form of a round table: preparation and conduct

Stage 1. Selecting a topic

The most difficult stage of preparation for the lesson.

Firstly, the topic should initially assume the existence of different points of view on the same issue, that is, be multivariate.
Secondly, the topic should be well studied.
Thirdly, it is desirable that the topic could be tied to modernity, everyday life, that is, it should be relevant.

For example, the geographic theme “Earth Shape” cannot be used for a round table. But the variation “Historical ideas about the shape of the Earth” is quite suitable, since it allows you to put forward various assumptions, put forward arguments in favor of a particular version, and correlate with the current state of affairs.

Most often, lessons in the form of a "round table" are carried out on humanitarian subjects (literature, history, social studies). Although this form can be used in the lessons of mathematics, chemistry, physics.

Maths. For example, "Methods of multiplying numbers: traditional and unusual";
Chemistry. For example, the topic "Metallurgy", where different groups can be given different tasks: what is metallurgy, the classification of metal ores, the production of steel, cast iron, the environmental impact of metal processing, etc.
Physics. Theme "Alternative Energy Sources".

Stage 2. Preparing students

It is impossible to conduct such a lesson spontaneously. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the students in advance, talk about the principles of organization of the conversation, about the assessment system. Consultations can be both group and individual (at the request of children).

During preparation, it is very important to discuss the following rules:

Rules for participation in the round table

Regulation (by time).
Mutual respect.
Inadmissibility of "transition to personality."
Speak out in turn.
Do not interrupt the speaker.
Actively participate, etc.

These rules can be formulated by the children themselves, and the teacher can offer.

Assessment rules (conciseness, reasoning, accuracy of statement).

It is advisable to write all the rules on separate posters (blackboard) so that they are in front of the eyes during the round table.

Stage 3. Preparation of the room

School desks make up in a circle. If you intend to use hardware, whiteboards or visual aids, then it is more advisable to draw up desks in a semicircle.

During the classes

1. Opening remarks by the facilitator

The facilitator announces the topic chosen for the round table, the schedule for each presentation, the order of presentation and the rating system.

2. Organization of the discussion

Student organization

In general, the format of the "round table" involves the independent participation of each student. But listening to everyone’s point of view in the class is a long and unproductive affair. Therefore, it is more convenient to form microgroups in advance (2-5), depending on the complexity and variability of the topic.

For example, in a history lesson on the topic “Political development of Russia after the overthrow of the monarchy”, you can invite children to prepare a particular version of the development of the political situation by choosing the program of a particular party or politician.

Or, according to the literature, the theme “Structure of the novel“ A Hero of Our Time ”” was chosen for the “round table”. You can divide the participants into two groups:

the first group will defend the logical arrangement of the individual parts of the novel;
the second group is the sequence proposed by the author.

You can form a third group of students, which will offer their vision of the structure of this work. The main thing is that all opinions be confirmed by arguments.

The formation of groups can be carried out by role. For example, the topic "Addiction - the scourge of modern society" is being discussed. In one group there can be “doctors”, in another - “psychologists”, in the third “parents”, in the fourth - “drug addicts”, in the fifth - “lawyers”.

Discussion of issues

How many questions to choose? And what? It all depends on the topic of the lesson, on the goals that the teacher sets, on the degree of preparedness of the class.

Option 1: It is recommended to choose one main question, to which several minor ones are compiled. These additional questions should highlight various aspects of the main thing, show the multifaceted nature of the problem under discussion. Questions are asked by the facilitator, guiding the conversation and the discussion.

One of the most difficult difficulties in holding a round table is the formation of a discussion. For example, a discussion question “The Importance of Oxygen in Human Life” has been proposed. Participants spoke in the spirit: "Yes, oxygen is important and necessary." And that’s all! Discussions fail. It is for such situations that secondary questions are needed that will guide the children. For example, let some talk about the importance of oxygen from a medical point of view, others - remember about photosynthesis, still others give examples of the use of oxygen in the chemical industry, etc.

Option 2: Question cards are prepared for each student. Questions can be both reproductive and problematic in nature, contain simple and complex questions, riddle questions, surprise questions, comic questions.

For this option, it is better to choose the most general topic that is not tied to a specific work or a specific subject. For example, the topic of discussion is “Does a person need an ideal?” (Literature), “Evaluation of the reforms of Peter the Great” (history), “Mathematics is the queen of sciences” (mathematics), “The role of a foreign language in modern society” (foreign language).

Option 3 The discussion topic does not need to be formulated with questions. Instead, you can offer quotes, assignments, video material. For example, a topic for discussion “Modern Russian language” was selected. You can offer students quotes from classics about the meaning of the language, offer videos of different programs or movies that show different styles of the language, you can submit to the discussion the language of the Internet and SMS (fragments of SMS, Internet correspondence in chat rooms, forums).

Organization of the discussion

After the speech of the participant (group) on one of the issues, it is important to organize a discussion of the expressed opinion. Therefore, it is important to orient other participants so that they do not just listen, but ask questions to the speaker. Questions may be clarifying, but may contain a counterargument.

3. Practical exercises.

After the round table, many teachers conduct the stage of “practical tasks”. It allows you to once again return to the main topic of discussion, but already demonstrate not only knowledge of the subject, but also practical skills. This work can be carried out in the form of tests, compilation, pivot table. Although this stage is not necessary, if during the discussion there was already a link to the present time, to the practical value of knowledge.

4. Summing up the round table

This stage is no less important than the organization of the discussion itself. Completely unacceptable to complete the lesson in the spirit: “Thank you for your attention and participation. Everyone learned something useful from the lesson. Goodbye".

At the debriefing stage, the facilitator should:

remind of the goals that were set at the beginning of the lesson;
briefly show the final distribution of opinions of participants on the basic issues of discussion;
formulate a common opinion;
articulate aspects that have not been adequately addressed during the discussion;
give a task for self-training.

And only then follows the evaluation and words of gratitude sound.

The nuances of organizing a round table in the lesson

In what order to give the floor to the participants?

It is important that every student participate. The word is given alternately to all comers, indicating that there should be no repetitions.

Another option: in microgroups. Then the word can be presented to the leader of the microgroup, which summarizes and expresses the opinion of each member of the group. But it is desirable that for each question a different representative of the group be selected.

How to evaluate students?

It will be difficult for the leader (teacher) to remember the degree of participation of each student. Therefore, you can choose one of the options:

The average score, which consists of three: self-esteem, the assessment of comrades sitting on the left and right.
Create a microgroup of experts (jury) who during the lesson will record the performances of each participant.
In the created microgroups, select one “attendant”, who will also record the degree of participation of each student and evaluate according to pre-agreed criteria.

Pros and cons of the lesson - “round table”

The lesson in the form of a "Round Table" has a number of undoubted advantages:

Helps summarize the material studied.
It helps to comprehend the topic through the prism of one's own life experience.
It forms the ability to argue, to state one’s point of view, giving arguments and evidence.
Helps develop coherent monologic and dialogical speech skills.
It forms the skills of independent work, as well as the ability to work in a team together.

Of the shortcomings, the following should be noted:

A long and difficult stage of preparation, which requires voluminous and thorough work not only of the teacher, but also of the students.
The complexity of organizing an effective discussion, because it is important that everyone takes part, expresses his opinion. In this case, we still need to bring the conversation "to a common denominator."
A lesson is possible in a class with a high level of training. Although individual elements of the round table can be introduced into the lesson system gradually.

Thus, the lesson in the form of a "round table", despite its complexity, allows you to fairly objectively assess the knowledge of students, their skills.

I would like to hear the views of teachers who practice such lessons. What was the main difficulty? How effective do you think the roundtable is?

Methodology

Preparation and holding of the round table

The competency-based approach puts forward in the first place not the knowledge and theoretical knowledge of the specialist, but his ability to see the essence of the problem and find ways to solve it based on the practical application of existing knowledge. As one of the organizational active forms of interaction, allowing to deepen and strengthen the objective position of the teacher, the round table has great opportunities for discussing acute, complex and current issues in the professional sphere, exchange of experience and creative initiatives. The idea of \u200b\u200b“round tables” is to meet like-minded people seeking to find a common solution to a specific issue in the format of a given topic, as well as the opportunity for everyone to enter into a discussion or debate on issues of interest. Discussion of the problem, exchange of views, valuable experience, establishing close contacts, searching for additional opportunities and discussion when discussing special, “hot” issues gives the round table dynamism and eccentricity.

goal “Round table” - to reveal a wide range of opinions on the problem chosen for discussion from different points of view, discuss obscure and controversial issues related to this problem, and reach consensus.

Task“Round table” is the mobilization and activation of participants to solve specific pressing problems, so the “round table” has specific features:

1. The information is personalized (the participants during the discussion do not express a general, but a personal point of view. It can arise spontaneously and cannot be accurately formulated to the end. Such information should be treated with particular thoughtfulness, choosing valuable and realistic particles, comparing them with the opinions of other participants (disputants)).

2. The polyphonic nature of the “round table” (during the “round table” business noise and polyphony can reign, which corresponds to the atmosphere of emotional interest and intellectual creativity. But this is what makes the work of the moderator and participants difficult. Among this polyphony, the moderator needs to “catch on” "For the main thing, to give everyone the opportunity to speak out and continue to support this background, since it is this feature of the round table).

The round table involves:

1. the willingness of participants to discuss the problem in order to determine possible solutions.

2. the presence of a certain position, theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

It is possible to organize such a round table when the discussion is deliberately laid on several points of view on the same issue, the discussion of which leads to acceptable positions and solutions for all participants.

Thus, the integral components of the round table:

1. unresolved issue;

2. equal participation of representatives of all interested parties;

3. development of decisions acceptable to all participants on the issue under discussion.

When conducting a round table, in order to achieve a positive result and create a business atmosphere, it is necessary:

To provide for the optimal number of participants (if the circle of specialists is large, you need not one leader, but two.
Ensure the operation of technical means for audio and video recording.
Set time limits
Ensure that the audience is properly designed (it is desirable that the “round table” is really round and the communication is carried out “face to face”, which contributes to group communication and maximum involvement in the discussion.)

The methodology of organizing and conducting the "round table"

Usually there are three stages in organizing and conducting a “round table”: preparatory, discussion and final (post-discussion).

I Preparatory phase includes:

· The choice of the problem (the problem should be acute, relevant, having different solutions). The problem selected for discussion may be interdisciplinary in nature, it should be of practical interest to the audience in terms of the development of professional competencies;

· Selection of a moderator (the moderator manages the “round table”, therefore he must have a high level of mastery of the art of creating a trusting atmosphere and maintaining discussion, as well as the method of building up information)

· Selection of disputants. The composition of the participants in the round table can be expanded by involving representatives of executive authorities, professional communities and other organizational structures;

· Preparation of the scenario (holding a round table according to a pre-planned scenario avoids spontaneity and randomness in the work of the round table).

The scenario assumes:

Definition of the conceptual apparatus (thesaurus);

The list of issues of discussion nature (up to 15 formulations);

Development of “homework” of answers, sometimes contradictory and extraordinary, using a representative selection of information;

Closing speech by the moderator;

· Equipping the premises with standard equipment (audio-video equipment), as well as multimedia tools in order to maintain a business and creative atmosphere;

· Advising participants (allows you to develop the majority of participants certain beliefs that they will continue to uphold);

· Preparation of necessary materials (on paper or electronic media): these may be statistical data, materials of an express survey, an analysis of the available information in order to provide participants and listeners of the round table

II Discussion stage consists of:

1. the moderator’s speeches, which defines the problems and the conceptual apparatus (thesaurus), establishes the rules, the rules of the general technology of the lesson in the form of a “round table” and informs about the general rules of communication.

2. The general rules of communication include recommendations:

· - avoid common phrases

· - focus on the goal (task);

· - be able to listen;

· - be active in the conversation;

· - be brief;

· - carry out constructive criticism;

· - do not allow offensive comments to the interlocutor.

· The facilitator should act in a directive way, strictly restricting the time of the participants in the round table.

3. conducting an “information attack”: participants speak out in a certain order, using convincing facts to illustrate the current state of the problem.

4. speeches of the debaters and the identification of existing opinions on the issues raised, focusing on original ideas. In order to maintain the intensity of the discussion, it is recommended to formulate additional questions:

5. answers to discussion questions;

6. Summing up by the moderator of mini-results on speeches and discussions: formulating the main conclusions about the causes and nature of the disagreements on the problem under study, ways to overcome them, and on a system of measures to solve this problem.

III The final (post-discussion) stage includes:

· Summing up the final results by the facilitator;

· Establishing the overall results of the event.

“I saw the principle of the round table in action in the schools I attended, and was impressed by the difference.”

"Round table"

Move the tables (desks) and put the students in a circle. Make sure the circle is in the correct shape so that everyone can see everyone’s face. The teacher is part of the circle and sits on the same chair or stool as everyone else. This helps to prevent anything special that could happen in the classroom; in this case, the teacher is a mediator, not a leader.

The ideal number of children is from six to eighteen; if there are more, then conversations become burdensome. It is also necessary to establish the basic rules. I recommend using a minimum quantity, but the following three rules are mandatory.

I recommend not taking the time to prepare a classroom for the round table. Take a roll of duct tape that quickly and easily sticks to the floor. In an educated circle, you can put chairs or stools.

How to hold a round table?

Only one person can speak at a time.

No one is obliged to speak if he does not want to.

No one is allowed rudeness or hostility.

Talk with younger students, such as the bear. The one who has a bear in his hands is the storyteller. When the toy is passed, the child holding it becomes the next storyteller (a pillow or any other item can be used together with the bear). The subject of the conversation is transmitted in a circle, and the only person who is allowed to speak is the one who holds it in his hands. This maintains order and prevents everyone from speaking at the same time. It also gives any shy child a chance to engage in conversation.

“A high-quality model of the round table transforms closed, negatively-minded groups. It will help all adults and children fight school bullying, destructive behavior, and poor relationships. This program should be at the heart of the new curriculum. ”

Where to start and how to end?

Start the round table with a game to melt ice and stimulate listening skills. As you move on to a guided discussion, start with a neutral topic, such as “My favorite weekend activity.”

A round table can also be used to work out a specific problem. For example, if a group of younger students is drawn into the process of bullying, then this behavior could be openly discussed in a close circle. Another example may be the following: when a student is excluded from the group due to incompatibility of opinion; a discussion can be held at the round table, which will focus on the human right to be different and not like everyone else. This can be done so as not to draw attention to the excluded person, but to make other children think about the reasons for isolation.

And in conclusion, I want to say: always finish the work of the round table correctly. Think of what can be used as a signal of completion. Some teachers use relaxation or stretching exercises, while others read a short poem.

Round table against school bullying

The advantage of the “round table” is that it facilitates the provision of assistance and creates an atmosphere of respectful attitude at school, improves communication skills and helps children develop their self-esteem and self-confidence. The method also contributes to the development of citizenship, teaches democracy and problem solving, nourishes creativity. In addition, the round table improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the education system and supports the school staff.

The Round Table is already regularly used in many schools in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the USA and plays an important role in the prevention of school bullying. The application of the method helps adolescents develop skills such as listening and empathizing. The Round Table promotes a sense of respect for other people and an individual self-esteem. The method allows you to create a mini-forum within which you can consider the nature and consequences of bullying, it can also be used to collectively develop a system of anti-bullying rules, to which all members of the school community contribute.

The round table is a fairly common event in almost any field where you have to work with people, negotiate or meet. Consider what kind of public speaking this is and what its features are.

A round table is a type of group discussion. It is held in order to enable a group of people to listen to several experts on a specific topic, as well as discuss problematic issues and listen to the personal points of view of the event participants.

A round table can help participants gain a deeper understanding of a particular issue, as well as consider the positions of other participants regarding the problem.

How to hold a round table

Identify a problem or topic that resonates. You can formulate a topic in the form of a question, hypothesis, real life situation, etc.

Choose experts, that is, participants who are competent enough to speak on this issue. It is also desirable that they present different points of view on the problem. A round table is usually attended by 3 to 5 experts.
Choose a leader or moderator - the one who will follow the discussion, pass the floor to the participants and direct the discussion in the right direction, using the oratorical “Appeal to the audience” to present questions for consideration.
Choose event format

The round table can be held in different formats. For example, in this:

The leader of the round table or his moderator voices the topic, and the experts present their vision of the problem for a set period of time
Participants freely discuss the topic among themselves, asking questions or providing counterarguments. A certain amount of time is allocated for discussion. The discussion is moderated by a moderator.
Moderator closes the discussion and summarizes the expert presentations and discussions

Round Table Organizer Responsibilities

Identify problematic discussion topics
Make sure that the participants and the moderator are familiar with the procedure for holding the round table so that everyone can effectively fulfill their role and avoid common oratory errors.
If necessary, provide assistance to the participants of the round table (sources of information, necessary materials on the topic, etc.).
Before the round table, familiarize participants with its principles, namely:

Freedom of discussion
The right to own (reasoned) opinion
Respect for other opinions
Tolerant attitude towards participants
Friendly tone of discussion

The recipe for the success of the round table is the same as any other public speaking. Remember that the purpose of the round table is a comprehensive view of the problem, all its aspects. It makes no sense to convince others of their own righteousness by denying the opinions of others. Truth is born in discussion.

In our oratory courses, sometimes we hold discussions where everyone will be in the role of both the presenter and the participant.