| Responses | Date | Author |
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The Fish Bowl Exercise is a dynamic and interactive group discussion format often used in educational and organizational settings to stimulate open dialogue and share perspectives among participants. Here's how it typically works: 1. **Setup**: - There are usually two groups: an inner circle ("the fishbowl") and an outer circle. - The inner circle consists of a smaller group of participants who actively discuss the topic at hand. - The outer circle includes observers who watch and listen without participating in the conversation directly. 2. **Discussion**: - Those in the fishbowl engage in a dialogue about a specific topic or issue. - They share opinions, ideas, and feedback, while the observers listen and reflect on the discussion. 3. **Rotation**: - Participants can switch roles between the inner and outer circles. - There are variations where one of the observers can tap a participant in the fishbowl and swap places to contribute to the discussion. 4. **Purpose**: - The exercise encourages listening and understanding diverse perspectives. - It facilitates open communication and can help break down barriers in hierarchical groups. 5. **Debriefing**: - After the discussion, participants come together for a debriefing session to reflect on the experience. - It's a chance to talk about what was learned, what can be improved, and any action points moving forward. This format is particularly effective for exploring complex topics, resolving conflicts, or gaining insights into different viewpoints. It can be adapted to suit various group sizes and objectives, making it a versatile tool in educational and professional environments. |
| 20/03/2025 | Pauline |
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Hi Gill, The fishbowl technique is a liberating structure. I love them! Here's a short video I found on YouTube that explains the basics of how to run and facilitate a fishbowl - hope it helps. https://youtu.be/sB143EA1ZGU |
| 20/03/2025 | Becky |