Breakout Room Discussion
Description
Allow private discussions and group work in pairs or groups while keeping participants within the same platform.
Why we like it
The more participants interact in meetings and trainings, the more they’ll get out of it. Large room discussions led by the facilitator are needed, yet the learning and skill-building happens through participation. Breakout room discussions give everyone a chance to contribute in small groups no matter how large your main room might be.
Requirements
Many virtual platforms use breakout rooms. Ones that don’t: Skype for Business and Webex Meetings. Most companies using Skype likely have MS Teams, so other meeting rooms or private groups can be organized that serve as breakout rooms. Webex offers Webex Training for breakout room options.
Process
1. Give participants have full instructions and time limits before going to rooms. Depending on your platform, you may want to create a way for participants to communicate with the facilitator before breaking.
2. Ask pairs or small groups to complete a specific discussion in the breakout room. Other things to consider: Group spokesperson to report findings in the main room; Specific conclusion or decision needed from the group.
3. Groups return to the main room where they share their results (often through an appointed spokesperson).
Daisy chain options
The options are endless and many of the other activities are in the “Breakout Room” category. Quick ideas:
1. Use a poll to share group findings. 3rd party polling apps can be used simultaneously during breakout rooms.
2. Incorporate a shared whiteboard to record findings. 3rd party whiteboards can be used simultaneously during breakout rooms.
3. Have multiple rounds of breakout room discussions building on previous discussions.
4. Have additional discussions with different groups by moving participants into different groups.
Variations
Small group discussions could be arranged via separate meetings or platforms, but the further your participants move away from the main platform, the more confusion seems to arise and the more time it takes. If the breakout rooms are built into your platform, use them to keep things simple.
External links
3rd party whiteboards
Miro: https://miro.com/
Mural: https://mural.co/
3rd party slide and communication platformsMentimeter: https://www.mentimeter.com/
Slido: https://www.sli.do/
WooClap: https://www.wooclap.com/
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