Snowball
There are many variations of this active learning technique and it is sometimes called
the Snowball Throwing Technique (STT).
In a large-scale class, this technique can be used effectively to probe for readiness
after pre-class preparation. For example, prior to the first day of class, instructors
can ask students to read the syllabus. During class, the instructor poses a series
of questions about the syllabus. Students write their answers on small pieces of paper,
crumple them up and throw them at a box or trash can held by the instructor or learning
assistant.
In classes in which students are English language learners, this technique has been
successfully implemented in a team-based fashion. Students in groups can decide to
ask a fellow student to answer a question by throwing a paper snowball with the question
written on it. If a student is hit by a snowball, she/he/they have to answer the question
(Susanty, 2016).
