Roast

Students often tend to hold on tightly to their own ideas and find it difficult to critically reassess them. When a group feels safe enough, you can use this exercise to challenge students to critically examine their work in a lighthearted and humorous way. This helps them think creatively, explore new perspectives, and improve the quality of their work. Important: Ensure that the atmosphere remains positive and constructive so that the exercise promotes collaboration and creativity rather than hinders it.

1. Introduction. Explain that the roast session is intended to improve the content of the work in a playful and sharp way. Emphasize that it is not personal: the goal is to improve ideas, not to criticize people. Set clear rules: positive contributions and constructive criticism are welcome, but personal attacks are not. 2. Roasting. Each participant or group presents their idea or concept to the rest of the group. The others get the opportunity to provide critical feedback in the form of a “roast.” This can be sharp and humorous but must always remain respectful and constructive. Encourage participants to make creative and playful comments to keep the atmosphere light and energetic. Stimulate deeper thinking by asking: Why is this not a good idea/concept/advice? What are reasons why it wouldn’t work? The presenting group receives the feedback but does not respond to it. 3. Recovery. The group suggests ways to improve the discussed points of criticism. Once everyone has participated, discuss as a class what insights were gained during the roast. Conclude with a short reflection: How did it feel to receive criticism? What did students learn? How can they apply this feedback? 4. After the roast, students return to their own group to develop solutions and strengthen their idea.