The hot seat is a technique that involves putting a participant on the 'hot seat' and asking them a series of questions to encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas with the group. It can help the student to explore motivation and multiple perspectives/experiences related to a theme, topic, event, or idea.
The hot seat is a technique also known as hot spot, conscience alley, 20 questions, celebrity heads, 'Who am I?’, and the fishbowl.
What is this technique/tool about
The hot seat is a technique designed to encourage participants to share their thoughts and ideas with the group. It is a form of structured conversation that provides an opportunity for one person to speak while others listen and ask questions.
To implement the hot seat, choose a participant to sit in the 'hot seat' while the rest of the group asks them questions related to a specific topic or issue. The participant should be encouraged to speak openly and honestly, while the rest of the group listens and asks follow-up questions to further explore the topic. After a set amount of time, another participant can be chosen to sit in the hot seat and the process can be repeated.
For which purposes is it used (why in your secondary school teaching)
The hot seat can be used in a variety of contexts, including team building, leadership development, and problem-solving. It is particularly effective in helping participants build confidence, improve communication skills, and gain new perspectives on issues.
Limitations
One limitation of the hot seat is that it may not be suitable for all participants, particularly those who are uncomfortable speaking in front of others or those who may feel intimidated by the process. Additionally, if the questions asked are not well thought out or are overly aggressive, the hot seat may become confrontational and unproductive.
Preparation, before the session:
Before using the hot seat technique, it is important to set clear expectations and guidelines for the conversation. Encourage students to be respectful and open-minded and provide examples of appropriate questions to ask.
During the session:
As a teacher, it is important to monitor the conversation and ensure that all students have the chance to contribute to the discussion. Encourage students to listen actively and avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation.
Follow-up up after the session:
After the hot seat activity, it can be helpful to debrief as a group and discuss the insights gained from the conversation. Encourage participants to reflect on what they learned and how it can be applied in future situations.
No specific tools are needed to implement the hot seat technique, although a timer or clock may be helpful to keep track of time.
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