Instructions

• During group discussions or work, designate or let the group choose an observer
• The observer sits further apart and makes notes on the discussion. The tutor may want to give them a specific idea of what they should be writing notes about.
• Observers can then in turn feed back and summarise to the rest of the class. Their notes may also be used and shared with the rest of the class in subsequent activities or after the tutorial as a resource.

What the activity achieves

Because they have taken a “step back” from the discussion, observers views tend to be broader and more objective

Discussions can continue more freely and authentically if participants do not have to take notes at the same time.

Online synchronous version

Use breakout rooms in a synchronous session – ask one person to observe group discussion and take notes and report back either vocally or in the chat when the whole group is back together.

Online asynchronous version

Ask students to collaborate using the tool of their choice – one person is allocated the observer role and takes notes. They can then share their notes with the wider group via a discussion forum or via a collaborative document such as OneNote or Word online.