Numbered Minds
Start: begin immediately. Prepare: save your settings for reuse.
Everyone gets a number in the group. Write individually, discuss together — then the facilitator picks a number to explain the answer.
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Step-by-step instructions
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Steps
- Split the class into small groups; each member gets a number.
- Show a question. Everyone first thinks individually.
- The group discusses so every member can give the answer (timer).
- A number is drawn at random — that member answers for the group.
- Move on to the next question and repeat.
Settings
- Questions — required. One per line. You can't start without at least one.
- Group size — optional, 2–6 (default 4).
- Discussion time — optional, default 60 s.
- Grouping — optional: how groups are formed.
Tip: generate questions with AI
Out of ideas? Ask Microsoft Copilot: “Give me 6 knowledge questions about [topic] for students aged [age], one per line.” Paste the lines into the Questions field.
Tips 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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