Segment chart
- Draw a large circle (at least A3 size and preferably on coloured card) and divide it into six or eight equal segments.
- Around the inner rim of each segment, write an instruction or starter question.
- Make enough copies for the class to work in small groups of three or four. It may be easier to get each group to create their own, given a sheet of card, felt pens, and a ruler. Segment starters can be copied from an overhead transparency (OHT).
- In groups, the students complete each segment of their circle, answering the question or following the instruction. They should refer to relevant resource material if they need to.
- The completed circles are then cut into individual segments.
- All the Question 1s and student responses are put together; all the Question 2s and student responses are put together, and so on. Encourage a bit of creativity here by providing each group with a glue stick, sheet of newsprint, and felt pens. Let them place the segments on the newsprint with an eye to layout and design.
- Students remain in their groups and each group is given responsibility for one set of responses. Group 1 takes Question 1, and so on.
- Each set of responses is analysed, discussed, and an overall generalisation made about the findings for each segment.
- Each group writes their generalisation onto a strip of card and presents it to the class, either orally or by pinning both their segment sheet and the generalisation on a display board around the room.