Just as its name sounds, during this activity students would be as fish in a pool or pond with fishermen surrounding them.Students will be seated in two concentric circles with the inner circle smaller. The "fish" in the inner circle or "bowl" would read and/or discuss a topic the teacher has specified. The "fishermen" would be listening silently "not to scare" the "fish" away. After the specified time for the discussion is over, the "fishermen" are ready to comment on what was said by agreeing, disagreeing, evaluating, or any other suitable comments.
After that, the roles and the circles are switched. The "fishermen" would become the "fish" who will discuss the same topic introducing new ideas related to it and the new "fishermen" would listen to comment later.
The activity provides great chances to train students to listen critically and evaluate what they heard. It also trains them to evaluate and give effective feedback. It could be used to discuss an article students had read, a topic for writing, an up coming event or issue or any other topic the teacher wants students to discuss.
Another creative way to introduce listening and speaking to our English classes hopefully you will find it useful and engaging.
I did not know about this activity and your post introduced me to such an engaging activity.What i liked about it is the reverse of roles wich is useful when you want to make sure all students participate in the discussion and whether or not it is appealing to them.
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