A second direct instruction tool is classroom discussion. Discussions tend to be instructor-led with class participation.
General points to conducting a discussion include:
- Provide a good example of how a discussion should proceed before the class
- Decide on a topic/purpose for discussion
- Group students in pairs or small groups, as appropriate, for the participant group
- Plan how/when the discussion will be conducted
- Provide expectations/ground rules/participations suggestions for the participants
- Provide some preparation time/guidelines for the participants
- Begin the discussion with an opening question or incident to be discussed
- Keep the discussion on topic
- Provide a summary and allow time for questions and more discussion/clarification as appropriate
A discussion is a valuable learning/teaching tool when conducted in a structured and directed manner.
