How to Hold a Better Class Discussion

ADVICE GUIDE

https://www.chronicle.com/article/how-to-hold-a-better-class-discussion/

7 Strategies to Change the Norms of Class Discussions

Norm No. 1: Civil attention.

nodding their heads, taking notes, chuckling at the instructor’s attempts at humor, or making brief eye contact. And by the things they don’t do: sleeping, texting, whispering to classmates.

Norm No. 2: Consolidation of responsibility.
a few students assume responsibility for most of the discussion

1. No. 1: Ask better questions.
2. No. 2: Set the stage on the first day.
3. No. 3: Use a syllabus quiz to show that you value participation.
4. No. 4: Try a discussion about discussion.
5. No. 5: Don’t give up on discussion in a large class.
6. No. 6: Have students pair up.
7. No. 7: Take the conversation online.

How to Keep a Discussion on Track

• Slow down the dominant talkers.
• Quizzes are good for more than just the syllabus.
• Use discussion questions to focus their reading (and the resulting debate).
• Shine a light on the “muddiest” point.
• Encourage comments from students of varied backgrounds.

Should You Grade Class Discussion?

• The argument against:
• The argument in favor: 

What If a Student’s Remark Is Wrong or Misguided?

• Affirm, then correct.
• Be respectful when they’ve lost the plot.

How to Handle News Events and Controversial Topics in Class

• When to raise controversial issues.
• Should you stake out a position?
• Be clear about the ground rules.
• Ask students to take sides.

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more on discussions in this IMS blog
https://blog.stcloudstate.edu/ims?s=discussion