Classroom discussion: instructions for use

« No talking in class ».

This seems to be the common rule in most classrooms. It is easily explained in a lecture setting. Indeed, everyone must be focused on what the professor is saying. A discussion would only create a distraction that could cause some learners to lose focus. But isn't this rule right? In a context where technology allows for educational content to be delivered in ways other than through an expository presentation, there is less risk of knowledge loss.

Moreover, for this American university professor, lecturing has disappeared from his curriculum. Instead, he offers 15 to 35 minute vignettes that can be viewed anywhere and anytime by students. Class time is therefore a time for assignments and, more importantly, for discussion. Discussions on course topics are, in his opinion, as enriching pedagogically as lectures. He also suggests that on digital environments be animated by discussion forums.

Setting up the rules

In fact, changing points of view can be formative. It is important to know how to organize this exercise so that it is constructive. How can we make sure that everyone can speak without being embarrassed, and that this leads to real reflection rather than stagnant discussions? First, it is important to have guidelines in place so that everyone follows them. It is therefore important to insist on the importance of giving everyone the chance to speak, that everything be done in a respectful manner which means not criticizing individuals but ideas and avoiding assumptions about others, among others. Be careful, however, not to make too long a list of rules so that they are respected.

Besides, there is nothing to prevent the teacher from establishing this list with the learners themselves. This sheet can be a good approach, especially with students in post-secondary levels. The first 45-minute activity asks them to talk about what makes a good discussion, the ground rules, etc. They then have access to the information they need to make a decision. They are then given access to a Moddle that provides an opportunity, especially for those who speak less, to focus on what is and is not going well in class discussions. An activity is also done to help learners identify themselves as talkers and others who are interested in listening. The idea is that the talkers can leave some space even if it means a time of adaptation so that the more introverted can add their point of view.

Different discussion activities

It is also important to think about the form of the organized activity. In elementary education settings, doing it in small groups can be a good method. This can be done with different questions in teams of a few individuals and provoke discussion between each group. Or put the students in a circle and pair them up. Afterwards, the pairs change. This allows different points of view to be confronted for a few minutes.

Group activities such as debates, summits where children propose solutions together to a problem posed, or seminars where they can change with the teacher on a topic can also be approaches. It is also important to remind them how to express themselves properly so as not to cause overly negative reactions that could lead to an abrupt end to the exchange. It is important to teach them à adopt formulas such as « I think... », « I wonder... » or « Iétonned; that... ».

The use of discussions can be very pedagogical for both students and college students. However, it is important to ensure that they have the right attitude and that rules of conduct are put in place from the start by the teacher and, if desired, their learners

Illustration : MadFishDigital Office meeting via photopin (license)

Records

Anderson, Kyle. "Fostering Discussions in Your Classroom." Wiley. Last updated: March 9, 2018. https://hub.wiley.com/community/exchanges/educate/blog/2018/03/09/fostering-discussions-in-your-classroom.

Couzon, Nathalie. Discussion Groups to Develop Classroom Communication Skills of Learners. Last updated: October 29, 2018. http://rire.ctreq.qc.ca/2018/10/des-groupes-de-discussion-pour-developper-en-classe-les-habiletes-de-communication-des-eleves/.

Novicki, Andrea. "Guidelines for Interaction for Better Class Discussions." Duke Learning Innovation. Last updated: January 24, 2018. https://learninginnovation.duke.edu/blog/2018/01/guidelines-interaction-better-class-discussions/.

« Potential Activities to Set Classroom Discussion Environment. » Carleton College. Last updated: February 15, 2018. https://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/aiseminars/cedi/guidelines/.

Short, Kasey. "More Talking in Class, Please." Edutopia. Last updated: August 13, 2018. https://www.edutopia.org/article/more-talking-class-please.