Fishbowl Discussion Exercise

Fishbowl Discussion Exercise | Englisch Münster

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The Fishbowl Exercise is a group activity commonly used in training, education, and therapy to facilitate discussion, practice skills, and explore different perspectives. Here’s a detailed explanation of the Fishbowl Exercise, including its purpose, structure, and examples:
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• Fishbowl Exercise OverviewPurpose: Structure of the Fishbowl Exercise Examples of Fishbowl Exercises Benefits of the Fishbowl Exercise Tips for Effective Implementation The Fishbowl Exercise is a versatile and effective tool for facilitating learning and skill development in various settings, making it a valuable component of training and educational programs.
  • Role-Playing: To practice and observe specific skills or behaviors in a controlled setting.
  • Facilitating Discussion: To explore different viewpoints and encourage dialogue on a particular topic.
  • Skill Development: To improve communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
  • Reflecting and Learning: To provide feedback and reflect on both the process and outcomes.
  1. Setup:
     • Seating Arrangement: Arrange the seating in two concentric circles. The inner circle (the “fishbowl”) is where the active discussion or role-play occurs. The outer circle (the “observers”) watches and listens.
     • Topic or Scenario: Decide on a specific topic or scenario to be discussed or role-played. This could be a case study, a conflict resolution scenario, or a skill demonstration.
  2. Roles:
     • Participants: A small group of participants (usually 2-4 people) sits in the inner circle and engages in the discussion or role-play. They are actively involved in the exercise.
     • Observers: The rest of the group sits in the outer circle and observes the inner circle. Observers are not actively involved in the discussion or role-play but provide feedback afterward.
  3. Execution:
     • Inner Circle: Participants in the inner circle discuss or role-play the given scenario or topic. They should focus on using the skills or addressing the issues outlined for the exercise.
     • Outer Circle: Observers watch and listen without interrupting or joining in. They note the interactions, behaviors, and dynamics taking place.
  4. Feedback and Reflection:
     • Debriefing: After the inner circle has finished, the group reconvenes. Observers provide feedback on what they observed, including strengths, areas for improvement, and insights gained.
     • Discussion: The inner circle participants reflect on their experience, discussing what went well, what could be improved, and how they felt during the exercise.
  5. Conflict Resolution:
     • Scenario: Two participants in the inner circle role-play a conflict between a manager and an employee. The conflict could be about performance issues or work expectations.
     • Objective: Practice negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Observers note how effectively the participants address the conflict and offer constructive feedback.
  6. Therapeutic Techniques:
     • Scenario: A therapist in the inner circle practices a specific therapeutic technique (e.g., motivational interviewing) with a volunteer client.
     • Objective: Allow other participants (future therapists) to observe and learn from the technique being used. Observers provide feedback on the therapist's approach and effectiveness.
  7. Group Dynamics:
     • Scenario: A team discusses a proposed change in strategy or policy. Participants in the inner circle represent different perspectives (e.g., management, staff, customers).
     • Objective: Explore how different viewpoints influence the discussion and decision-making process. Observers assess the dynamics and contributions of each perspective.
  • Enhanced Learning: Participants gain practical experience and receive feedback on their skills and behaviors in a real-time setting.
  • Increased Engagement: Observers are actively engaged in the learning process through observation and feedback, which enhances overall group participation.
  • Diverse Perspectives: The exercise allows for the exploration of different viewpoints and approaches, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues.
  • Reflective Practice: Provides a structured way for participants to reflect on their performance and receive constructive criticism.
  • Clear Instructions: Provide clear guidelines for both the inner circle participants and the observers to ensure the exercise runs smoothly.
  • Respectful Feedback: Encourage constructive and respectful feedback from observers to foster a positive learning environment.
  • Varied Scenarios: Use a range of scenarios or topics to address different skills and learning objectives.
  • Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for both the role-play or discussion and the feedback/debriefing process.

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