1 of 12

Group Discussions

Large and small group strategies

2 of 12

Getting started

  • Write first then talk�
  • Buzz groups (from: Discussion as a way of teaching By Stephen D. Brookfield & Stephen Preskill)
    • Informal = just talk (no questions, no reporting)
    • Structured = questions and reporting �
  • · Establish course specific questions:
    • AP Language -- claim? Development? Conclusions? �
  • Start with a quote or a good question (teacher selected or student)

​

3 of 12

Making students work

4 of 12

Active discussion

  • Chalk talk
  • 10 questions
  • Definitions
  • Teacher problem
  • Be the enemy (student idea)

5 of 12

Notes from Discussion as a way of teaching

By Stephen D. Brookfield & Stephen Preskill

6 of 12

Set up

  • Think of the best group discussion you have been involved in. What things happened that made these conversations so satisfying?
  • How about the worst group discussion you’ve been involved in?
  • Discuss both of the above. Make a list of good things you agree on. Then make a list of the negative things you’d like to avoid and come up with ways to avoid them

7 of 12

Things for teachers to remember:

​

  • Don’t fear silence
  • Don’t be vague
  • Don’t lecture

​

8 of 12

​

Ways to keep the discussion going

  • Asking for evidence
    • How do you know?
    • What data/textual evidence is that claim based on?
    • What does the author say to support that argument?
    • Where did you find your view expressed in the text?
    • What evidence would you give someone who disagreed?

​

9 of 12

Asking for clarification

  • Can you put that another way?�
  • What’s a good example of what you are saying?�
  • Can you explain that term you used?

​

10 of 12

Types of Questions

  • Open questions
    • Why do you think so many people devote their lives to education despite the often low pay and poor working conditions?
  • Linking or extension questions
    • Is there a connection between what you said and what (previous student) just said?
  • Hypothetical questions
    • How might….?
    • If……, then?
  • Cause and effect questions
    • If this situation…what might happen?

​

11 of 12

Reporting

  • Snowballing
    • Students respond to something individually
    • Then start in pairs talking about answers
    • Then move to groups of four,
    • Etc.

​

12 of 12

What works for you?