How to Facilitate Classroom Discussions

Whether you are teaching young students or college-level students or leading a discussion at a group meeting, it can be hard to get input from those listening. A good learning environment requires the participation of both teacher and students. Some simple techniques and tricks can help your students speak up and feel more involved in the lesson.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start by helping your audience become comfortable with you. Keep a relaxed posture, smile and speak clearly so your students can understand you.

    • 2

      Start with a question in mind that you want your students to eventually answer. Keep your questions open ended. Don't ask for just a yes-or-no answer.

    • 3

      Allow silences to happen; you don't have to talk all the time to be effective. Give students time to ponder your questions and they will eventually speak.

    • 4

      Introduce different viewpoints to get students thinking outside the box. Ask controversial questions, present problems or sub-problems or relate to your students a common experience to create a discussion.

    • 5

      Don't interrupt students when they are responding. Follow the question-listen-respond format for your discussions. Ask questions that clarify, provide further evidence, open more questions, link to other information, create a cause and effect or provide a summary.

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