Ready-to-use classroom activity
Students sit in a circle, each adding one step to solve a complex problem before passing to the next student.
Grade range
Works across
Activity style
Classroom walkthrough
One concrete example you can borrow, adapt, or teach as written.
Example lesson context
Gather these before class.
What to have ready before students begin.
Create multi-step word problems involving multiple operations (e.g., 'The school is planning a field trip for 128 students. Buses can hold 42 students each. Each bus costs $125 to rent. How much will it cost to rent enough buses for all students?'). Arrange desks in groups of 4-5 to form 'round tables.' Prepare strategy reference sheets showing problem-solving approaches.
A classroom-ready sequence from launch to follow-up.
Introduction to round table problem-solving (5-7 minutes):
Explain the collaborative, step-by-step process
Emphasize that each student contributes one clear step before passing
Model the process with a simple example
Strategy review (5 minutes):
Discuss problem-solving strategies (e.g., understand, plan, solve, check)
Review specific strategies for word problems (identifying known/unknown, drawing diagrams, working backward)
Demonstrate how to clearly record each step
Role assignment (3 minutes):
Assign roles within each group:
Starter: Reads problem and writes first step
Process Manager: Ensures smooth transitions between students
Questioner: Asks clarifying questions if steps aren't clear
Connector: Points out connections between steps
Checker: Verifies the final solution
First round-table problem (10-12 minutes):
Distribute the first word problem to each group
Starter reads the problem aloud and writes the first step (identifying what they know and what they need to find)
Paper passes clockwise, next student adds second step (e.g., drawing a diagram or writing an equation)
Each student contributes one clear step using their assigned color pen
If a student is unsure, they can write a question and pass (but must contribute a step when the paper returns)
Continue until problem is completely solved
Checker reviews the solution for accuracy
Solution sharing (5 minutes):
One member from each group briefly explains their solution pathway
Class discusses different approaches to the same problem
Additional problems (15-20 minutes):
Groups tackle 2-3 more problems using the same process
Rotate roles for each new problem
Increase problem complexity gradually
Strategy reflection (5 minutes):
Individually, students reflect on which steps were most challenging
Identify effective strategies observed in their group
Consider how the round-table approach helped them see different ways to approach problems
Adjust the activity without losing its core purpose.
For struggling students, provide hint cards that can be used when needed. For groups that finish quickly, offer extension problems or ask them to solve the same problem using a different approach. Adjust problem complexity for different groups while maintaining the same problem-solving process.
Use these signals to assess understanding.
Review solution sheets to evaluate each student's step contribution. Observe group dynamics to assess collaboration skills. Use reflection sheets to gauge metacognitive awareness of problem-solving strategies.