Instructional Strategies: DiscussionsBy: Natalie Stewart

Learning

What is it?

The development of new knowledge

How do students learn?

They interact with information

Can teachers promote learning?

Yes!

Discussions enhance learning

Ideas are exchanged

Opinions are voiced

What are the benefits?

They are interestingIt is more appealing to students than sitting in a lecture.

They are challenging Students must think about the information and apply it to otherconcepts.

They are inlcusiveAll students are given the opportunity to engage in the discussion.

They promote the growth of new ideas

What are the limitations?

Limited participation

Sometimes unchallenging

Topics may be too difficult

May not be effective with young students

How can it be incorporated into the classroom?

Discussions can be used to activate prior knowledge.Discuss what you already know.

Discussions can be used to self-assess understanding.

Discussions can beimplemented after a presentation to elicit questions and answers.

Discussions can be used to help students internalize information.

Discussions can be implemented to evalute the effectiveness of instruction.

How canyou help your students learn?

Allow your students to discuss!