"The Snowball IDEA (also at times designated in the literature as Pyramids) involves progressively adding students to groups at each iteration of the discussion cycle. Students begin by working alone, then in pairs, then in groups of four, then in groups of eight, and so on. The instructor provides questions or tasks of increasing complexity that require progressively larger groups to complete the assignment.This activity is ideal for providing a safe environment for students to speak who may be shy or have apprehension about speaking in class. Students are able to build confidence by developing arguments alone and in small groups before having to share in a larger group or entire class setting. It also helps students get to know each other and therefore can help to build classroom community." — Teaching for Learning, Major CH, Harris MS, Zakrajsek T, 2016
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