Discussion Webs

Discussion Webs in Use -

• Hand out papers to everyone and explain that we will be making discussion webs and that the point of this activity is not that there is a right an wrong answer, but to think about multiple side to a question.
• Pose the question on the board and have students post the same question on their individual sheets.
• Ask students to pair up and write 3-4 Pros AND Cons on each side based on the text or assigned readings. Have students try to keep the pro and con list the same length. Bullet points are fine, no need to have full sentences. (if using for pre-reading, have students use prior knowledge to make points on both sides of question. If using post reading, can challenge higher level readers to make their points without looking back at assigned readings)
• Now, have each pair find another pair to become groups of 4. In your groups, try to come to a consensus with your group mates on the question based on the pro and con lists that the group members have.
• “It is okay to disagree with your group, but be respectful of opinions, and try to keep an open mind as you hear all points for both sides.”
• Take 2 minutes to decide which of your pro or con points is the best reason for your group’s opinion.
• Then have one group member share the groups consensus and the one main point they agreed on, and how they got to their consensus. Once all groups have shared, they can ask other groups follow up questions and lead to large group discussion.
• Now, each student will write their final opinion in the conclusion box - you can have your own opinion - it doesn’t have to be what your group consensus was.
• Can be used for debates or perspectives on events in history. It is great to introduce discussions to the class by starting with less controversial questions, so that when you want (if you want) large group discussions, students are comfortable with classmates and representing their own ideas since it is a a group effort once it comes to the entire class discussion.