Discussion with other students can be difficult, and it's impossible to create step-by-step instructions for speaking in a group. Good discussion strikes a balance between speaking and listening, adding ideas and considering the ideas of others, guiding discourse and being guided. There are many things you can do to be more effective in discussion, primarily paying close attention to the types of contributions you make.
Some Tips for Effective Discussion
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Answer Questions
Avoid Negative Responses (hurtful comments, putdowns, the phrase "You're wrong," the word "No")
Take Turns
Encourage Others to Speak
Challenge Peers Who Claim "I don't know"
Chat Ahead of Time (before a discussion, informally, one-on-one)
Discussion Methods
The following is an outline of various discussion methods. They are divided into three stages of discussion: Discovery (where ideas are shared and developed further), Examination (where ideas are compared and evaluated), and Commitment (where the group selects an idea to proceed with and determine next steps).
When looking at the visual of discussion methods, you should actively be thinking about the types of contributions you make. It's impossible to use all methods all of the time, but you can look to balance your use of a few methods that lead more effective discussion. Reflecting on your discussion method use should be done during a discussion and following a discussion, and after reflection you should consider how you might improve your discussion contributions in future opportunities.
Mendler, Allen. "Teaching Your Students How to Have a Conversation." Edutopia. Edutopia, 5 Nov. 2013. Web. <http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teaching-your-students-conversation-allen-mendler>.
Whitehorne, Loretta, Larry Michaelsen, and Jim Sibley. "TBL Application Activity Reporting Facilitation - Some Ideas." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 27 July 2014.