Author: GLE Team | Published on 1 October 2023
Gender responsive activities should encourage all learners equally, stimulating them at their own level and considering the wide range of needs present in a classroom. This 1 Minute Problem activity allows students to discuss responses with a group before sharing them with the rest of the wider group, giving students both confidence in their answers and a way to identify and correct any misconceptions. As a teacher you can assess students' learning through their presentations. Ensure this activity is gender responsive by ensuring balanced gender representation in groups, the learners who present and the problems/topics engaged with. Select problems that are simple and interesting and related to the everyday lives of all genders.
Stage 1: Present problem
Provide learners with a question, problem, or prompt related to the topic or learning objectives.
Stage 2: Time to discuss and respond
Ask students to work in small groups to discuss and formulate an agreed group response to this problem. At this stage walk around the groups showing an interest in each group equally. Model encouraging students of all genders to share and contribute their ideas be ready to help if some students dominate the discussions or roles and others rarely contribute.
Stage 3: Post and share
When group members have agreed on a response or answer to the problem, they record it on a large sticky note or piece of paper and post it in the same area of the classroom. For example, on the board or a walk that everyone can easily see. You could even ask one member of the group to come to the front and verbally share their group solution. Again, ensure that all genders are represented in the learners selected to share their groups solution.
Stage 4: Facilitate discussion
After all groups have posted or shared their answers, facilitate a discussion of the responses. Ask questions that may highlight errors and misunderstandings and correct them as needed. Encourage learners of all genders to respond to questions and explore their misconceptions and ideas.