Kagan Structures #11 Instant Star: Student Selector

To be used with Kagan style lessons or as an active learning activity for pupil group work.

Kagan Structure number 11: Instant Star
Students are randomly selected to be the “Instant Star” of their team. Stars stand to applause and share with their teammates.

Step 1: Teacher Asks Question
The teacher asks the class a question. The question can be a simple review question such as, “Where did the first Gulf War take place?” Or the question can be a thinking question such as, “Do you think the first Gulf War was justified? Why or why not?”
Step 2: Think Time
The teacher calls for Think Time and gives students 3-5 seconds of silent time to formulate their answers. “Everyone think of your best response. No talking.”
Step 3: Teacher Selects “Stars”
The teacher randomly selects one student on each team to be the Instant Star. “Student #3’s, you’re the Instant Star. Teammates applaud for Student #3 as they stand.”
Step 4: Stars Share with Teammates
Stars stand and share their thoughts or answers with teammates. They sit when done, so the teacher can tell when everyone is ready to proceed. “Stars, please share your response with your team. Sit when you’re done sharing.”
Step 5: Praise or Coach
For high-consensus (right or wrong) questions, teammates praise the Star if the answer is correct; if incorrect, teammates coach the Star. For low-consensus questions (thinking questions), teammates praise or comment on the thinking that went into the answer. “I agree that Saddam had no right to invade Kuwait, and that the first Gulf War was justified to liberate Kuwait. You are a logical thinker!”