Today’s Inside Higher Ed has a great piece, written by David Weir, on how to lead a classroom discussion. He includes both “dos” and “do nots” when it comes to leading college students in discussion sections. (For more development of these points check out the article).
The “Do Nots”:
1. Discussions are not extra lectures
2. Discussion groups are not drill sections
3. Discussion is not group interrogation
4. Discussions are not “one fewer class preparation.”
The “Do’s”
1. Create a separate syllabus for discussions
2. Structure discussion to maximize student involvement
3. Make discussion sections a place where students feel comfortable “taking chances.”
4. Ask the right kind of questions and in the right amount
5. Embrace silence
6. Seize teaching moments.
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