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Structures with writing

Writing is thinking you can re-read. In these structures everyone writes at the same time — before the group talks — so quiet thinkers put an answer on the table too, and nobody rides along on the first good idea. Individually on paper first, together after.

15 structures in this theme

Numbered Minds
Everyone gets a number in the group. Write individually, discuss together — then the facilitator picks a number to explain the answer.
Everyone joins inCooperative learning
2–6 · 10–15 min4.5
Full steps after registration
Think, Write & Share
Write individual ideas, compare them in your group and share the combined list with the class.
Everyone joins inHigher-orderCooperative learning
2–6 · 10–15 min5.0
Written Thoughts
Write as many ideas as possible — everyone simultaneously, no discussion. Put them in the middle and sort them together.
Everyone joins inHigher-order
5–15 min
Full steps after registration
One by one
Discuss a series of statements or questions together — one by one.
Everyone joins in
Alone · Pair · Group · 5–15 min
Full steps after registration
Incident Method
An 8-step intervision technique where one participant brings a work situation and the group searches for insights together.
Higher-order
45–60 min
Full steps after registration
Socratic conversation
A 7-step intervision technique based on cardinal virtues: the presenter describes a situation up to the hot point, and the group explores the essence together.
Everyone joins inHigher-order
60–90 min
Full steps after registration
Dominant Ideas
A 7-step intervision technique: the group together looks for dominant ideas in the presenter's situation and formulates alternatives.
Higher-order
30–45 min
Full steps after registration
Flashcards
Participants create question cards and practise in pairs by asking and answering each other's questions.
Everyone joins inHigher-order
10–20 min
Full steps after registration
Jigsaw
The learning material is divided into four parts. Each team member becomes an expert in one part, shares knowledge in an expert group, and returns to their base group.
Everyone joins inChanging groupsCooperative learning
30–45 min
Full steps after registration
Gallery Walk
Each team displays their work and picks a guardian. The rest give verbal feedback; the guardian notes it all in the feedback form.
Higher-orderChanging groups
15–25 min
Full steps after registration
Placemat
Each participant writes their answer individually, shares it and together finds a consensus.
Everyone joins inHigher-orderChanging groups
10–30 min
Full steps after registration
Snowball (1-2-4-All)
Start individually, combine in pairs, merge in groups of four — and build shared insight step by step.
Everyone joins inHigher-orderChanging groups
20–35 min5.0
Five Whys: root cause analysis
Root cause analysis: find the underlying cause of a problem by asking 'why?' five times in pairs. A Toyota technique.
Everyone joins inHigher-orderLean
10–15 min
Full steps after registration
World Café
A large conversation across many tables: after each round you move on and cross-pollinate ideas, then harvest common patterns together. Related to Liberating Structures. Developed by Juanita Brown & David Isaacs.
Higher-orderChanging groupsLiberating Structures
60–90 min
Full steps after registration
The worst plan
Flip it around: imagine how you'd ruin your goal, look in the mirror, and stop one thing. A playful reverse brainstorm. Making Space with TRIZ — a Liberating Structure.
Higher-orderLiberating Structures
Alone · Pair · Group · 15–30 min
Full steps after registration

More collections

All structures →Five-minute structures Short structures (up to 10 minutes)Structures for speaking skills Structures for listening skills Structures for reading skills Learning in motion: structures with movement Retrieval practice structures Ice-breakers for class and team Energisers for class and team