Reflecting on Learning Methods: Fishbowl, Debates, Quizizz, and the Jigsaw Method

On February 28, 2023, we met in person as a class to discuss four different learning methods. The four learning methods that we talked about were fishbowl, debates, quizizz, and the jigsaw method.

Fishbowl is used for large groups to discuss topics. The example in which we did in class was that we discussed ethical dilemmas when it came to the train experiment. The train experiment was a train coming down the way and there were five people on the track. So, the ethical dilemma was if to kill one person or all five people by pushing the lever. Ultimately, they pushed one person in front of the train to stop the train. We did a fishbowl in the class we formed a large semi-circle and in the middle of the semi-circle were three people with the facilitator. The three people in the middle would be talking about the topic, while the people on the outside would be listening to the conversation. The people in the middle would be talking about the topic for a few minutes. Then, the people on the outside would have the opportunity to ask questions. I was on the outside, so it was interesting to hear everyone's thoughts about what they would have done in that situation. Also, it was interesting to hear everyone else's thoughts on the outside. The majority of everyone's thoughts were that they could not make a decision on if they could kill one to save everyone else or if they would let everyone die. Overall, my opinion is similar in that I would not be able to make a decision because I would not be able to watch someone die. So, we would all have to die, or I would scream get out of the way hoping no one would get hit.

Debates similar to fishbowl are that people break into groups to discuss a topic. However, debates are also different in that groups are either for or against or debating the pros and cons for one side over another side. We did an example of a debate in class. The debate was about traditional schooling vs homeschooling. I was on the side of homeschooling. So, my group and I had to come up with the pros and cons of homeschooling. We had to debate with the other group on why homeschooling is more effective for students than traditional schooling. We debated the points that homeschooled students had more of a personalized schedule, learn at their own pace, safety, and become more family-oriented. Those were the pros of homeschooling, while the cons were a lack of social skills, biased in learning from parents, and no real-life experiences. Overall, it was interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on the topic because a lot of our cons of homeschooling were the pros of traditional schooling explaining the reason why students should be in traditional school.

Quizizz is a tool similar to Kahoot in that students are given a quiz and are ranked based on how many questions each student gets correct. Quizizz is also unique in that it also has elements of Quizlet in which students are able to create flashcards to study. If you ever played Kahoot, then you know that there is a time limit on each question. However, there is no time limit in Quizizz in that the system continues to rank until everyone is finished. So, the winner is not based on who answered the questions the fastest. Quizizz is effective for students who may need extra time to figure out an answer because they would not have to worry about the pressure of putting anything to meet the time limit. We did an example of Quizizz where we were asked math, science, history, and reading questions. In the beginning, I ranked 8th place, but once everyone finished I ranked 12th place.

Lastly, we discussed the jigsaw method. The jigsaw method is basically where people are broken up into groups where each person in the group is assigned a number. The assigned number relates to a topic that the person has to do research on. So, everyone gets a few minutes to do some research. Then, all the people who have the same assigned number meet to discuss what they found. Then, everyone returns to their groups to discuss the information they found on their topic. We did an example of this where we had to discuss the pros, cons, and effectiveness in adult learning of the jigsaw method. I was assigned the cons. The cons I found on my own and the cons that my assigned topic group discussed were similar in that some students may not want to participate, students may feel lost, and it requires a lot of time to assign groups. Those cons were the cons that I bought to my group as they discussed the pros and effectiveness of the jigsaw method in adult learning. In the end, we all came together as groups to discuss what we learned.

Reflecting on learning the different learning methods, it was interesting seeing how the three methods are similar. The three methods are the fishbowl, debates, and the jigsaw method. The reason those three are similar is that they require you to break into groups to discuss different topics. I would say that these three methods are really effective for people who struggle in speaking up in a larger setting. By having them break into smaller groups, it allows that person to have their voice heard.