This method allows for maximum communication between participants in groups that were selected randomly and maintains each participant’s active role. It tests understanding and explanation skills.

Preparation: Mark picture cards with letters A B C D and cut into 4 strips, see below.

Phase 1
Groups are told to blindly choose a part of a picture card and then form groups with the same letters, for example all the As / Bs (see the picture).

The teacher has prepared tasks printed out and distributes them to the groups. Students must work as a group to perform the set task, each group having a different task. The teacher monitors progress and supports as needed.

Phase 2
The students now form new groups, by coming together to form the picture card that their pieces belong to, and in these groups have to explain their findings from phase 1 to the new group members.

Advantages: This approach includes everybody without selection. Students work together to research, debate and solve but they also have to present and listen to others in a final phase.