An inner circle holds a seminar discussion while an outer circle observes with a simplified, single-criterion checklist (interaction only) and ticks set phrases they hear. Narrowing the focus made peer feedback usable for students new to giving it.
Procedure (EAP, intermediate–upper-intermediate, ~50 min)
- Groups: some discuss (inner), others observe (outer).
- Observers get the course criteria cut down to the interaction column, with emoticons, plus a checklist of turn-taking and interrupting phrases to tick.
- Swap roles.
- Pair feedback: 5 minutes each (what went well, what to improve).
- Collect reactions afterwards (comment thread).
Limits
Some students felt shy or embarrassed; single EAP class.
Apply in my context (Claude)
- PET/FCE Speaking Part 3/4 practice: outer circle uses the Interactive Communication descriptor only, plus a phrase checklist (What do you think about…? Shall we decide…? I see your point, but…).
- One criterion at a time is also how to train learners into the full Cambridge scale over a term.
Connections
Assess speaking with exam criteria and official videos · Plan KET and PET speaking around the assessment criteria · Design peer review so it produces useful feedback · Twelve conversation strategies worth teaching