Networking Circles

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Consider and record information about themselves.
  
• Share information about themselves with peers.
  
• Determine similar and complementary interests, ideas, and career paths among peers.

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Materials

For each student pair:

• Chairs

For each student:

• Pen or pencil
• Interest Inventory worksheet (see included PDF)

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Preparation

• Read through and familiarize yourself with the entire activity.
• Print a copy of the Interest Inventory worksheet for each student in the group.
• Arrange the chairs in 2 concentric circles, with an even number of chairs in each. The chairs in the inside circle should face out, while the chairs in the outside circle should face in so students will look at their partners. Leave enough room between the circles so students have room to get up and move to the next chair.

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 Interest Inventory Worksheet

Activity Steps

1. Ask for a show of hands of students who enjoy certain activities, such as playing baseball or softball, writing stories, or watching science fiction movies. Tell students that today's activity is about identifying similar interests and abilities among the group.
2. Distribute the Interest Inventory worksheet. Ask students to complete it.
3. When the students have completed the worksheet, instruct them to sit in a chair in one of the circles. Explain that it does not matter where they sit, because they will be moving during the activity.
4. Tell students to compare answers on their worksheets with the student sitting across from them. Encourage students to discuss what they wrote, making notes on their worksheets if they discover interests that are the same or similar.
5. Allow students time to compare and discuss, then call time. Instruct students in the inside circle to move 1 chair to the left.
6. Repeat the previous 2 steps as many times as time allows.
7. Reconvene as a whole group. Ask students to read some of the answers they wrote on their Interest Inventory worksheet.
8. To wrap up, discuss what students learned from this activity. Ask:
   
   1. What did you discover you have in common with other students in the group? Which similarities surprised you the most?
   2. Did you find that you and other students have similar interests that are not exactly the same, like playing different instruments or sports?
   3. Which students in the group have the same career interests as you? What careers do you want to pursue?
   4. How might knowing about career interests that you share with others help you in the future?

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Variations

1. Have students compare and discuss their answers in groups of 3 or 4, forming new groups throughout the activity. Students can also do this activity as a whole group, mingling around the room at their own pace.

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