Fishbowl (conversation)

Fishbowl is a method of leading a discussion in large groups. The method has its name from the seating arrangement: it is like a goldfish bowl, around which the participants sit in a circle.

Expiration of a fishbowl

In the Fishbowl Method ( also Innen-/Außenkreis-Methode ) discussed a small group of participants in the inner circle ( the " goldfish bowl " ) the subject, while the other participants observe in an outer circle discussion.

If a user from the outer circle contribute to the discussion, there are different forms:

The method using the "guest chair " is a free chair in the inner circle. A participant from the outer circle can take and join in the discussion until he has said everything or another participant wants to take from the outer circle on the guest 's chair on court. Or a subscriber from the inner circle can free up his place to allow a participant from the outer circle the employees in the inner circle.

In another form of the method participants are allowed from the outer circle " tap " a member of the inner circle. This can then still speak his sentence finished, and then makes his way for the participants from the outer circle free. This form requires a high level of awareness and social skills of the participants, because all alike must control the sequence.

Often the process is supported by a moderator. The work of the inner circle can be discussed at the end with the entire group.

Regulate

• The free chair in the discussion group may be occupied by each participant until he has made ​​his contribution, or another operator would like to contribute.
• Participants in the inner circle are allowed to leave these at any time.
• Side conversations should be avoided.

Advantages over plenary discussions

As with the panel discussion, the discussion is manageable, as more and can discuss only a small number of participants simultaneously. Topics are focused by and compresses.

Advantage of the fishbowl method is that members who are not otherwise in a large group to speak, at any time change to the inner circle and express their opinions and to actively join in the discussion. This, and the seats in the circle creates a high degree of identification of all participants to work on the topic. A participant who has no desire to actively join the discussion, simply can get out and listen from outside. Thus, the discussion remains active and loses less in dead ends.

The method offers varying degrees of participants balanced opportunities to share their experiences and ideas. Encouraging or hindering dominance relationships are visible through the end of the course change.

In the inner circle, a group dynamic mirror effect is observable: Themes in the outer circle are treated as it were " intuitive " in the inner circle - even if there is no representative of the outer circle enters the inner circle.