Numbered Minds
Everyone gets a number in the group. Write individually, discuss together — then the facilitator picks a number to explain the answer.
Group
2–6
Form
In small groups
Phase
Check
Materials
Not needed
Step-by-step instructions
2 steps
- Split the class into small groups; each member gets a number.
- Show a question. Everyone first thinks individually.
The rest comes with a free account
The remaining steps, the timer and the printables. Registering is free and takes a minute.
Register for freeTips for the facilitator
Everyone accountable for the shared result
No one knows which number will be called
Real participation instead of waiting it out
Check understanding or process the material
Thinking together, not leaning on one person
Prepared questions — enter them into the system, one per line.
Group size — configure this in the settings (default 4; numbers from 1 to the specified number). Print and hand out the number cards — available to download on our platform.
Discussion time per question — configure this in the settings (default 60 seconds).
Questions should be open-ended — requiring explanation, not just a one-word answer.
More discussion time: for more complex or multi-part questions.
With notes: each participant writes an individual answer before the group discussion — reduces the influence of stronger participants.
Larger groups: group size from 2 to 6 — a larger group offers more perspectives but requires clearer facilitation.
History: «Name three causes of the First World War».
Natural sciences: «What is the difference between a plant cell and an animal cell?»
Literature: «What drove the main character to make this decision?»
Training and teams: open questions for reflection or situation analysis.
The Numbered Heads Together structure was developed by Spencer Kagan. It increases individual accountability within group work — everyone must be ready to present the shared answer.
Pairs well with
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