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What is a Key Ideas Round Robin?
This strategy has students summarize key ideas from a reading or viewing selection, then form pairs and finally groups of four to eventually negotiate the key idea of the selection.
Why use it?
- To consolidate learning after reading or viewing new material
- To focus on ‘the big picture’ and key ideas in a reading or viewing selection
- To develop and sharpen small group oral language skills
How do I use it?
- Each student is provided with a blank BLM created with the Key Ideas Round Robin Template (see image at right).
- After reading or viewing the article/video, each student individually records four key ideas about the article/video on the template under the heading My Key Ideas.
- Next, instruct students to form pairs (or assign pairing). Each pair of students should discuss their key ideas and narrow the ideas to two which they can both agree upon. These ideas should be recorded on the template under the heading Partner Key Ideas.
- Finally, instruct pairs of students to form groups of four (or assign groupings). Each group of students should discuss their key ideas and narrow the ideas to one which they can all agree upon . This key idea should be recorded on the template under the heading Group Key Idea.
- Afterwards, each group can report their key idea to the class.
Tips for success
- Choose an article or video you want your students to read or view. This strategy can work well with expository texts or videos that present several ideas which could be the key idea.
- Use this strategy after a reading comprehension or summarizing strategy such as the Importance Line learning strategy so that students have some experiences with knowing how and where to look for key ideas.
- Pair ESL/ELD students of the same first language so that they can help each other with unfamiliar vocabulary and terminology.
- Model the rules for class discussion behaviour and the use of inclusive and respectful language for small group discussions and post a discussion etiquette list with accompanying language examples prominently in the classroom.
Sources
Ontario Ministry of Education. (2003). Think Literacy Cross-Curricular Approaches, Grades 7-12. Toronto, ON: Ontario Ministry of Education.
Create-Your-Own Key Ideas Round Robin
- Key Ideas Round Robin Template [.doc] [.pdf]
Starting Points Using Key Ideas Round Robin
Completed Key Ideas Round Robin Samples
- Key Ideas Round Robin Sample: Ringwoodite: The missing link in Earth's water cycle [.pdf]
- Key Ideas Round Robin Sample: The Changing Magnetic North [.pdf]
- Key Ideas Round Robin Sample: The Dirt on Soil Conservation [.pdf]
- Key Ideas Round Robin Sample: What is Autism?[.pdf]
- Key Ideas Round Robin Sample: Why worry about radon? [.pdf]