How can we design training programs where engagement is driven by participant interaction? And how can we maximize the impact of breakout group work?
These were the central questions addressed by Isabelle Dremeau, founder of L’Atelier du Formateur (latelierduformateur.fr), during a masterclass hosted on Glowbl, using the ABC Learning Design framework.
The session was a hit, attracting participants from education, instructional design, corporate training, and digital learning—eager to explore the potential of breakout groups in remote and hybrid formats.
🌍 Why (and how) should we rethink breakout groups?
The workshop stemmed from a shared observation: despite their effectiveness, breakout groups are underused in remote training, mostly due to limitations in traditional video conferencing tools.
With a platform like Glowbl, built to encourage seamless interaction and group navigation, breakout rooms become a real pedagogical asset. But to harness this potential, we need to ask the right questions:
➡️ Why use breakout groups?
➡️ What is the intended learning outcome?
➡️ What should the trainer’s role be?
🧭 A structured framework: ABC Learning Design
To take a step back and plan intentionally, Isabelle Dremeau introduced the ABC Learning Design framework, developed by University College London (UCL). This method helps design training sessions based on types of learning activities.
🔎 Goal: Balance your training across six learning types:
- Acquisition: reading, watching, listening
- Investigation: researching, comparing, analyzing
- Discussion: debating, exchanging ideas
- Practice: applying, testing
- Collaboration: working together
- Production: creating an output
Each learning type was illustrated with real breakout group activities, followed by immediate participant experimentation.
🧠 Activity ideas from collective intelligence (and ready to apply)
Participants were divided across six themed tables and collaborated to design practical breakout activities based on the six ABC learning modes. Here are some examples of what they came up with 👇
📘 Acquisition
- 📝 Reading articles + individual reflection
- 🎧 Watching videos or listening to podcasts, followed by open-ended questions
- 🤖 Using AI to compare generated summaries with human interpretations
👉 Pro tip: “Ask subjective questions rather than MCQs to check resource engagement.”
🔍 Investigation
- 🔎 Spot-the-difference or risk-hunting games
- 📊 Comparing real-world professional practices
- 🧩 Puzzle class: reconstruct a topic using scattered pieces across tables
👉 Key insight: “Investigative work improves retention through exploration.”
🗣️ Discussion
- 🗯 Debates using quotes, images, or polls
- 🧠 Thought-provoking, counter-intuitive questions
- 💬 Using Glowbl to project visuals and support meaningful discussion
👉 Best practice: “Create a judgment-free space for reflective thinking.”
🧪 Practice
- 🎭 Role-play or simulated interviews
- 📝 Self-paced exercises
- 📈 Quizzes with instant feedback
👉 Added value: “Gentle feedback boosts self-assessment.”
🤝 Collaboration
- 💡 Group brainstorming sessions
- 📄 Co-creating shared documents
- 🧠 Using frameworks like De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, Disney’s method, or Mind Mapping
👉 Strong point: “It promotes traceability of reasoning and a diversity of perspectives.”
🎬 Production
- 📑 Creating synthesis documents, posters
- 🎙 Producing podcasts or video presentations
- 📽 Storytelling and learning pitch sessions
👉 Pedagogical impact: “Creating an output validates knowledge integration and fuels creativity.”
🧰 Glowbl: The perfect playground for breakout sessions
Glowbl proved itself live as an intuitive and powerful learning environment:
- Virtual tables: freely organize breakout groups
- Live announcements and timers: keep sessions on track
- Interactive content sharing: enrich each group’s experience
- Free movement: navigate the room as if in a physical space
“What makes Glowbl unique is that breakout groups are no longer a technical hurdle—they become a fluid, learning-focused tool.” – Isabelle Dremeau
🚀 Final takeaway: Redesign training around interactions
This masterclass left attendees with:
✅ A clear framework for designing their sessions
✅ Ready-to-use, field-tested activity ideas
✅ A renewed motivation to use breakout groups intentionally
🎯 The message is clear: Breakout groups aren’t a gimmick. When well-designed and well-supported, they’re a cornerstone of learner engagement, whether you’re teaching synchronously, remotely, or in a hybrid format.
📆 Ready to go further?
Join our upcoming sessions or explore the Glowbl template gallery to design your next workshop differently.