Sliding Groups
A discussion format that deliberately slides the group structure up and down — from individual reflection to pairs, fours, and whole-group discussion, then back down again. The accordion-like movement ensures both deep individual thinking and broad collective synthesis.
How to run it
- 1
Introduce the topic or problem. Ask participants to reflect individually (3–5 minutes).
- 2
Pair up. Partners share their individual reflections with each other (5 minutes).
- 3
Two pairs merge into a group of four to synthesise concerns or ideas (8–10 minutes).
- 4
Open to the full group for a plenary discussion (10–15 minutes).
- 5
Optionally, slide back down: return to pairs or individuals for a closing reflection on what they'll take away personally.
Tips
The beauty is in the transition — give clear time signals between levels.
Sliding back down at the end creates a powerful individual commitment moment.
Adapt the group sizes to what makes sense for your overall group size.
Variations
Run it fully in writing — individual notes → shared pair doc → four-person synthesis doc → plenary. Useful for asynchronous or neurodiverse groups.
Where it fits
Related methods
Plan your next workshop with AI
Workshop Weaver helps you combine methods like Sliding Groups into a complete, timed agenda in minutes.
Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from University of Hawaii.