Toolbox



Overview

Conducting an online FishBowl activity represents an effective approach to ensure the active involvement of all participants in the conversation. The core of the Fishbowl lies in its unique structure: a specific group of participants is encouraged to keep their cameras and microphones active, creating the distinctive \"fishbowl\" on the screen, while others temporarily deactivate their cameras and microphones. In this dynamic setting, those inside the fishbowl engage in a conversation, posing questions and sharing insights on a selected topic. Concurrently, participants with deactivated cameras and microphones take on the role of attentive listeners, fostering a well-balanced exchange between active contributors and engaged audience members throughout the Fishbowl discussion.

In a Fishbowl discussion participants take turns being in the ‘fishbowl’. Participants in the fishbowl discuss a topic while those outside the fishbowl listen attentively to their conversation. Turns are taken until everyone has been inside the ‘fishbowl’ so that everyone takes turns being contributors and listeners.

Fishbowl discussions can be great for facilitating sessions where people are working across disciplines to see each group’s perspectives such as researchers, artists, policy makers etc.

Implementation

1. At the start of your activity explain in plain terms how the activity is going to go and remind participants that if they have a doubt or a question to be open and curious. It is okay to ask simple questions. Working with a diverse range of participants can be slow whether it is across disciplines, geographies etc. Much of the work in engaging and creating networks is through work through and across translating what we know and who we are.
2. Remind everyone to be mindful of being good listeners, not all questions might have immediate answers. This activity is less about solutions and more about learning to work together.
3. The discussion groups and fishbowl rounds should be predetermined to make the activity go along smoothly. The time for each group should be determined by group size. For example, if there are 4 people in a group, 20 minutes might be enough for a fishbowl discussion with the idea that each person has 5 minutes of speaking time.
4. Allot enough time at the end to conduct a quick moment to conclude the session where participants can share what they learned, were surprised by, or what they are still curious about.

To Consider in Your Activity Design

Make sure as facilitator that you take time to help folks understand the technology instructions whether you are using zoom, Google Meet or any other platform.