"Discussion as a Way of Teaching"


I didn't realize how much I didn't know about discussions until I read "Discussion as a Way of Teaching". There are so many elements and techniques that go into having an exceptional classroom discussion. I will definitely be coming back to that article as reference in my teaching career. I'll probably even link it somewhere in this blog so that it is easily accessible. I mostly took notes from the beginning of the article about different ways in which you create ground rules to follow before even starting a discussion. As an introverted student myself, sometimes I find it difficult to speak up in fear of looking or sounding stupid. So I give other the opportunity to talk first so I know my brain is on the right track. If I were teaching a student like myself I would definitely use the circle method that forces the student to speak. They also know when it is about to be their turn so that gives them the time to prep their answer or build of the person before them. As a student I'd rather know when my turn is about to happen instead of volunteering, because it takes the stress out of the situation. Ive had my fair share of discussion, majority of them being comfortable and enlightening. But I have been a part of a few that have taken a turn for the worst, but maybe not to the extent of "The Discussion From Hell". That excerpt just gave me anxiety reading it, I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be in that class or let alone the teacher! Although Gary was dealing with a much different age group I was trying to imagine what I would do in a high school setting. Also what went wrong so fast when it seemed like he was set up for success? One thing that bothered me about his teaching method was that it seemed like he was shutting people down like he wouldn't elaborate on what others would say he would just ask if someone else wanted to talk. And when problems arose he should of tried to relate them back to the lesson somehow, which I know is easier said than done...
http://webshare.northseattle.edu/Sustainability_in_Healthcare/Discussion_as_a_Way_of_Teaching%20INC-Learning%20Circles.pdf

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