Language & Country of the resource
English
Title
A brief guide to Class discussion
Link to the resource and/or reference to the authors / source of origin
The University of Newcastle Australia Centre for Teaching and Learning
Type of resource (video, lesson plan, etc.)Guide for teachers
Link
Learning objective(s)
To be able to set up a discussion
To be able to run a discussion
Abstract
Discussion can be an effective way for students to engage with core concepts, apply them and to enhance their problem-solving skills. It’s good for promoting teamwork, for eliciting higher-order thinking, and is especially applicable when a subject is complex and/or open-ended. Communication skills develop as students express themselves, state their ideas in a clear manner, and listen to the views of others. Students can generate their own ideas, contributing explicitly to their own and others’ learning. A discussion will draw out multiple explanations, enabling students to ask questions they may not have asked if they were working individually, deepening their understanding. This guide can be used for both online synchronous (for example, using Collaborate) and face-to-face discussions.
Target (type and age of the learners and other meaningful characteristics)Teachers
Tools and materials needed for implementation
Not specified
Key words
Discussions, planning, higher-order thinking
Subject & interdisciplinary / cross-curricular links
Cross-curricular
Timing (how much time to do it?)
Not specified
Description
The guide includes two parts, each with several sections, as follows: Part A: Setting up the discussion
decide on the purpose of the discussion
research the background information
help the learners prepare for the discussion
prepare the discussion plan
prepare the discussion environment
Part B: Running the discussion
opening the discussion
keeping the discussion going
questioning dos and don’ts
getting students to engage with different levels of thinking
closing the discussion
common issues
Comments