Discussion

A discussion is 

“the action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas” (Oxford Languages and Google).

Why Use Discussion?

• Engage learners as “co-constructors of knowledge”
• Share thinking and broaden conversation
• Address ideas and concepts collaboratively
• Make learning active
• Build community

Use Discussion When You Want Learners to

• Develop awareness and understanding of issues
• Keep an open mind when exploring topics
• Think critically, problem solve
• Apply knowledge to new situations
• Actively listen and respond to others
• Examine and share perspectives and attitudes, receive feedback on their own
• Integrate new knowledge into their own perspectives

How to Engage Learners in Discussion

• Plan ahead for discussion, share purpose and expectations
• Involve students in discussion on the first day
• Ask an open-ended or focus question to get discussion started
• Give learners a chance to think
• Provide opportunities for discussion periodically during class
• Set expectations of inclusion, respectful consideration of all perspectives
• Set tone, establish guidelines for discussion, model active listening
• Use icebreakers to increase comfort level
• Use a visual to help direct discussion (slide, chart, map, picture, …)
• Use breakout groups for discussion if the class is large
• Debrief, summarize at close of discussion