Opinion Poll

Students design questionnaires on sub-topics, survey classmates, organize data, and present findings to the class.

Procedure

1. The class decides on a topic for the opinion poll (e.g., food and eating habits, shopping, travelling, climate change, equality, current affairs).
2. The class decides on six sub-topics. For example, "food" could be divided into: breakfast, drinks, eating out, favourite foods, cooking, special diets.
3. Divide the class into six groups, each assigned one sub-topic. Each group agrees on 2-3 questions and prepares an interview sheet. Everyone fills in their own answers first.
4. Regroup so each new group has at least one member from each original group. Members ask "their" questions and note answers — everyone talks to everyone else in the group.
5. Original groups reassemble to organize their data (may involve drawing tables or diagrams).
6. Each group presents results as a short talk or on posters/projected displays.
7. (Optional) Whole-class discussion: Was there any result that surprised you? What is the most important result? How can we act on these results?

Tips

• With smaller classes, use fewer sub-topics and fewer groups.
• Vary question types: open Wh-questions, multiple-choice, true/false, agree/disagree scales, frequency scales, gapfills.
• Alternative survey methods: free mingle instead of structured regrouping, or assign as homework (students ask friends and family).
• Adapts well to digital and distance-learning environments.