Speed Learning

I recently read about an interesting classroom activity- speed learning.  The idea is similar to speed dating, but it involved students http://laufenberg.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/speed-learning-a-classroom-activity/

Students sit across from one other student.  They take turns coming up with questions and answering them.  A worksheet like This One from "A History of Anything," is helpful.

A quote from this blog:
"Outcomes of such an activity include: students become more conversational with their topics, students become more conversational with their classmates (on academic topics), an increased probability of connection with others and their learning, foster a more robust ‘thinking’ process with their own work and every voice is heard."

The great thing about this material is that it makes everybody responsible for the material, and even in a large classroom, no one gets to hang back and just listen.  Also, everyone gets practice in participating in an academic discussion.  I think it's a brilliant idea, and I can't wait to try it.