Edodo
All books/Purposeful Nano Classroom Activities for Effective Teaching
Chapter 1013 min read

World Cafe

By Vivek M Agarwal•About the Author

Activity illustration

At a Glance

  • Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Prep: Moderate - arrange cafe-style seating
  • Group: Small groups of 4-5, with rotation
  • Setting: Tables or grouped desks
  • Subjects: Universal - deep discussions
  • Energy: Medium to High

Purpose

World Cafe simulates a cafe conversation where people rotate between tables discussing important questions. One person (the "host") stays at each table while others rotate, carrying ideas from table to table. This creates cross-pollination of thinking while maintaining continuity through the host's role.

How It Works

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. SET UP TABLES (Before class) - Arrange 4-6 tables with 4-5 chairs each. Put chart paper or large paper tablecloths on each table with markers.

  2. ASSIGN TABLES & HOSTS (1 minute) - Students sit at tables. Each table designates one person as "host" who will stay while others rotate.

  3. ROUND 1 DISCUSSION (5 minutes) - Pose a question. Groups discuss and record key ideas on the table paper.

  4. ROTATION (1 minute) - All non-hosts rotate to a new table. Hosts stay.

  5. HOST SUMMARIZES (1 minute) - Host briefly shares previous group's key ideas with new arrivals.

  6. ROUND 2 DISCUSSION (5 minutes) - New group builds on previous ideas, adds new perspectives. Host facilitates.

  7. OPTIONAL: THIRD ROTATION (If time allows)

  8. HARVEST (3-5 minutes) - Hosts share the key themes that emerged at their table across all rounds.

What to Say

Setup: "We're doing World Cafe. Sit at a table and choose one person as 'host.' Hosts, you'll stay at this table while others rotate. Everyone else, you'll travel and bring ideas from table to table."

Round 1: "Here's your question: [QUESTION]. Discuss for 5 minutes. Write or draw key ideas on the paper. Hosts, pay attention—you'll need to summarize for the next group."

Rotation: "Travelers, rotate to a new table—don't go to one where you know people. Hosts, stay put."

Host Introduction: "Hosts, you have 1 minute to tell your new group: 'Here's what the previous group discussed...'"

Round 2: "Now, new group, discuss the question for 5 more minutes. Build on what you heard. Add new angles."

Harvest: "Hosts, share the journey your table went through. What themes emerged?"

Why It Works

World Cafe creates a structured way for ideas to circulate while maintaining continuity. Hosts ensure prior thinking isn't lost, while travelers bring fresh perspectives and connect ideas across tables.

Teacher Tip

The "tablecloth" paper is key. Writing directly on the shared space makes thinking visible and creates a collaborative artifact. By the end, tables should be covered in interconnected ideas, doodles, and questions.

Variations

For Different Subjects

  • Any Subject: Can explore one complex question deeply or pose different questions per round.

For Different Settings

  • Online: Breakout rooms act as "tables." One host stays while others rotate. Use shared Google Docs as "tablecloths."

Online Adaptation

Tools: Breakout rooms + shared Google Docs per "table" Process: Host stays in breakout room, others manually reassigned

Troubleshooting

Challenge: Hosts give inadequate summaries of previous group's ideas. Solution: Give hosts specific prompts: "Tell the new group the top 3 ideas discussed and one question that emerged."

Extension Ideas

  • Deepen: After harvest, groups synthesize across all tables to create one collective response.

Related Activities: Carousel Brainstorming, Gallery Walk, Jigsaw