How
to turn success into failure
Some
or all of the following procedures may help to ensure that
discussions do not fail.
Let students choose (or take a part in choosing) the topics
they are going to discuss
Give students time to think about the topic beforehand
Give students a chance to 'try out' a discussion in pairs
or small groups before asking them to 'perform' in front
of the whole class
Be prepared to prompt, encourage and help. If correction
is necessary (to make meanings clear) do it gently and in
passing
In feedback, don't focus exclusively on negative aspects
of the discussion that has just taken place, but instead
bring out the positive points of what has taken place
When
teachers follow these kinds of procedures, discussions,
debates, and student lectures (three activities focused
on in the Discussion Development Pack) can become successful
and enjoyable. The way they are prepared for and facilitated
can make all the difference between success and failure.
Download
the Discussion Development Pack
to find out more.
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