Quick training resource which introduces Carousel Brainstorming or Rotating Review, and offers suggestions to implement this technique for brainstorming about new topics, elicit prior knowledge or reviewing learned information

1. REVIEWING SUBJECT CONTENT FROM PREVIOUS LESSONS
Maria Fabiani
www.mariafabiani.eu

2.  This technique is a cooperative learning activity which allows
for small group discussion, followed by whole-class reflection
 It is used to help students learn new information, elicit prior
knowledge or review existing information through movement
and reflection.
 It facilitates the development of group skills (brainstorming,
discussion, communicating information
 It is also a good assessment tool.

3.  Select major topics/concepts that are being reviewed
from a previous lesson and write each
topic/concept/question at the top of a piece of paper,
and tape the paper to the wall.
 Students are divided into different groups and
instructed to walk around different stations set up
in the classroom, brainstorming and reflecting on
the questions/topic for a specific duration of time.
 Each station helps students activate their prior
knowledge, process new information and share it
with others. Each group posts their ideas at each
station for all groups to read.

4.  After the allotted time, each group rotates to the
next station where they will read the new
topic/concept/question and what others have written
about it, discuss it with their group, and add new
information.
 Students may also respond to the contributions
made by those who have already rotated through the
station.

5.  Wrap up the brainstorming session by having a
discussion about the topics on each piece of chart
paper and reading/discussing what each group
wrote, answering questions as you go.
 Have your students organise the information from
the rotating/carousel session by using a graphic
organiser, or doing a gallery walk, recording useful
information
 The Rotating Review is usually about 45 minutes in
length