Method Overview
Designed for 20 people or more, World Cafe consists of answering a specific question by having various micro group conversations occur simultaneously. The groups, after each “round” of conversation, rotate members and allow ideas to intermingle and be shared.
At each table, a chairperson continuously guides the discussion, and another person is responsible for recording the minutes of the conversation. After 20-25 minutes, the chairperson remains at the table while participants (individuals, not as a group) move to new table that asks a different question/focuses on a different topic.
Procedure
- Set out a general question/topic as the overarching theme, and then designate specific questions for different tables to answer
- Begin with a short introduction of the topic at hand and provide context for participants
- Have tables/sections set up (for around 4-5 people at table/section). Provide writing materials such as poster paper or a poster board
- Have each researcher be a chairperson for a table. Select a volunteer within each table to record the discussions
- Give 20 – 25 minutes for groups to discuss, and then signal everyone to rotate and the same time. The chairpersons remains at the same table while everyone else moves individually to a new table
- The chairpersons give a quick overview of what the last group shared, select a new volunteer for recording notes, and then begin the discussion again.
- Repeat the process until everyone has been to all of the different tables
*Volunteer recorders can also participate in the conversations. If there is an issue with the volunteer’s ability to contribute (i.e. they aren’t able to multitask writing and listening), the chairperson can talk over as the recorder (since they won’t be contributing as much, but rather facilitating).
Advantages
- Group interactions and recording of past conversations allow for cross-pollination of ideas
- Allows for diversity of opinions
- High quality of student input; facilitators can ensure the ideas and input of participants are relevant and valid
- Allows for further probing into ambiguous responses
Disadvantages
- Groupthink may occur during group conversations – a similar issue found in focus groups
- Quiet students may feel pressure/or uncomfortable sharing in group settings – leading to less data on students such as these
- Time consuming for both researchers and participants
Recommended Usage
- SERA should use this research method for more complicated projects that do not have a definitive answer or involves a broad spectrum of student opinions
- The method is also recommended for smaller projects as World Cafe is unable to take in a large sample group.
