Rally Table

Rally Table is one of the co-operative structures described by Spencer Kagan in his ‘structures’ approach to co-operative learning. The structure is a versatile and adaptable one which can be used to bring two pairs together to make a larger group of four. There is a high degree of interaction between students at all times.

PURPOSE

Sharing information, developing ideas, helping simple recall

RELEVANT SKILLS

Sharing information, listening, working independently, talking quietly.

STEPS

In this structure teams of four first work as pairs. The teacher sets an open-ended task or asks a problem for which there may be a number of solutions. There are then two ways in which this structure can be introduced;

Members of the pairs pass a piece of paper to and fro, taking it in turns to write ideas or answers to a problem.
Members of the pairs write their own lists initially

When time is called the partners who have worked individually look at their ideas and draw up a final list. They could take it in turns to read their own list while the other partner ticks agreements and adds new items. When roles are reversed they will have a common list.
When the pair has agreement it is time to share ideas with the other pair in the group. This is done in a similar way with one member of each pair reading their list while the other again ticks agreement or jots down new ideas. The process is reversed and a common list is produced.
Once the pairs have shared their answers, they may work as a team, as pairs or individuals to construct their final product.

P I G S F

Positive Interdependence

High. The group works together to produce one product for their learning.

Individual accountability

Students share ideas with each other and every student makes a contribution. Can begin with, or lead to, individual work.

Equal participation

High. All students are involved at all times within this structure.

APPLICATIONS

To ascertain prior knowledge at the beginning of a lesson.
To aid simple recall at any time.
To identify important elements within an area of work.
Use as a method of brainstorming ideas.
At the beginning of a plenary session.
To develop group support for complex ideas and checking.
As a form of group re-teaching.

CURRICULUM IDEAS

Rally table is a very versatile structure that can be used in any curriculum area. It is a simple way of bringing two pairs together to create a larger group with a common aim and purpose. Establishing prior knowledge of a subject at the beginning of a lesson is always useful as is having a definite starting point for a plenary

Group response after a Rally Table activity could be oral (see Numbered Heads Together), a graphic representation, bullet points, Venn diagrams (my thoughts, your thoughts, shared thoughts) or any other form of written or pictorial response.

COMMENTS

Rally table is an excellent way to bring students together into a group to share information, develop ideas and encourage individuals to work independently and with confidence. The flexibility of approach is suited to students who initially have problems working independently or conversely, have problems working within a group.