Creating an Environment Conducive to Discussion
Clark and Anderson (2003) outline the following 7 basic steps:
- After reading, a small group comes together for a discussion. (The teacher reviews the ground rules above.)
- The teacher poses a central question/provocation concerning (e.g. that would be too hard to answer independently).
- Students freely explain their understandings / positions on the question/provocation.
- They expand on their ideas, adding reasons and supporting evidence from the text and their prior experience.
- They challenge each other’s thinking and ways of reasoning.
- At the end of the discussion, a poll is taken / review to see where everyone stands. The group could then summarise the key tenets of their consensus on the issue or question.
- The teacher reviews with the students. Time is also made for suggestions on how to improve future discussions.
Ground rules (for learners):
- Stick to the topic.
- Do not talk when others are talking
- Try to look at both sides of the issue.
- Make sure everyone has a chance to participate.
- Respond to the idea and not to the person.