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Teaching Tips > Facilitating In-Class Discussions > Facilitating a Coherent Discussion

Facilitating a Coherent Discussion

In-class discussions can help students develop critical thinking skills, but effective discussions require structure and planning.

Garside, C. (1996). Look who's talking: A comparison of lecture and group discussion teaching strategies in developing critical thinking skills.

 

Related tips:
Facilitating In-Class Discussions: Picking Good Discussion Topics
Facilitating In-Class Discussions: Working with Quiet Students
Facilitating In-Class Discussions: Working with Oversharers

Specify and enforce civil behavior to avoid aggressive or unproductive comments.

3 / 5 ( 2 votes )

Have students brainstorm clarifying questions for the reading to clear misunderstandings before beginning the class discussion.

2 / 5 ( 1 vote )

Ask discussion questions that can have multiple perspectives to facilitate student contributions.

3 / 5 ( 1 vote )

Ask students how the class discussion could be improved to help develop an environment where students are comfortable and co-responsible for creating a good discussion.

5 / 5 ( 1 vote )

Check in with students about their understanding by doing thumbs up/down polls to avoid assuming the most vocal students speak for all students.

3 / 5 ( 1 vote )

Have students summarize the previous speaker’s comment to ensure better comprehension by everyone in the class.

2.5 / 5 ( 2 votes )

Other Resources

  • Pomona College's Teaching and Learning Center
  • Claremont Colleges Center for Teaching and Learning
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