Placemat Activity
The placemat Activity (engl. For placemat ) is a form of group work and a part of the cooperative learning and belongs to Civic Education . In the German-speaking world it is also called the placemat method.
The class is divided into (student) groups. Each group ideally consists of four members. Each group receives a placemat that has been prepared as shown in the illustration below, so that there are four fields plus one in the middle. The placemat has the size of A3 or A2 paper.
Everyone receives an assignment on a specific topic, for example: What do you understand by democracy ? Each participant writes his thoughts, ideas or knowledge on his part of the placemat in a predetermined time - about five to ten minutes.
The classic approach is as follows:
- Thinking and writing: Everyone notes down their own thoughts on the main question in their segment (duration about five minutes)
- Mute comparison: everyone reads the other's notes and only asks questions if they have comprehension problems or reading difficulties (duration about five minutes)
- Share and find consensus: The group decides together which of the mentioned thoughts should be written in the middle of the sheet. A limitation is helpful, for example “Agree on five main points.” These main points can then also be prioritized. (Duration about ten minutes)
Finally , each group presents their work results to the whole class. An overhead projector film can also be placed in the middle.