Buzz Groups

A Buzz Group is a high-energy, fast-paced framework for conducting a tightly focused classroom discussion. To ensure total student participation, Buzz Groups typically consist of 2-5 members whose sole responsibility is to complete an assigned task within a brief period of time. Often the assignment focuses on a key point raised during a presentation or lecture, or by an image or reading.

Often a Buzz Group is used to stem a lull during a session when interest seems to be waning or when evidence of confusion begins to appear. This strategy can also be effectively used to review the content of a previous class session, brainstorm ideas, assess prior understanding of a topic, etc.

Implementation

1. Plan ahead for creative, high interest topics and opportunities within a lesson for staging a Buzz Group discussion.
2. Sometimes a sprinkling of small groups is randomly selected to report out to the larger group.
3. Vary the makeup of the groups from class to class.
4. Monitor the groups during the discussion to ensure that they are on task and that all students are involved.
5. To avoid loss of interest, do not overuse Buzz Group discussions.

Classroom Management

• When you first conduct a Buzz Group, be sure to carefully model the process.
• Establish group norms of expected behavior during a Buzz Group discussion.
• Be sure to carefully explain the assignment and the expectations for reporting out and debriefing.
• According to Dan Boudreau, Buzz Groups can be formed by:
  • Asking participants to turn to those nearest them.
  • Teaming up people of common/different interests.
  • Teaming up people according to skills or learning styles.
• Assigning different tasks to groups will help to avoid repetitive reporting and feedback.
• Suggested Formative Assessment: Directed Paraphrasing. Use to build personal definitions or explanations of concepts presented during class.