"In a Scored Discussion, the inner circle discusses the topic while the outer group scores the discussion by assigning “points” for persuasive arguments or ideas drawn from the readings. This IDEA is somewhat similar to the Fishbowl or Inside Outside Circles technique, in which an outer group watches the inner/fishbowl group. Scored Discussion has the benefits of Fishbowl in that students effectively model or watch group processes in action (Hensley, 2002; Young, 2007). The activity adds a scoring component, which ups the ante of the activity. The scores identified by the outer circle are identified by themes, patterns, and arguments. Research has shown that having a moderate amount of anxiety can benefit performance (Broadhurst, 1957), which the scoring aspect can add. The Scored Discussion IDEA then increases the “stress level,” along with student engagement in it, but it is still at heart a collaborative activity. It also provides a built-in way for instructors to “grade” discussion, which at times can be daunting.Scored Discussions encourage students to engage with course content through dialogue. The activity can support free-flowing and richer discussions on course material. Students in the inner circle feel a greater sense of responsibility for contributing, which can encourage better preparation, reflection, and participation. If desired, the circles can switch places halfway through the activity to give students the opportunity (and responsibility) to occupy both roles." — Teaching for Learning, Major CH, Harris MS, Zakrajsek T, 2016
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