Ted Hovet, English/CTL

Learning Outcomes:

Discussions, ideally, will increase students’ ability to express themselves verbally (and in public) and will help them develop intellectual agility by encouraging them to “think on their feet.” In a similar vein, discussion is a mode of active learning that can more directly engage students in the materials being covered.

A wide-ranging discussion in which many students freely participate can also increase students’ awareness of a diversity of ideas, making them more cognizant of different perspectives as well as more aware of their own position and assumptions.

Another outcome that may be overlooked is that it can develop students’ listening skills, especially if the discussion or follow-up assignments require them to account for the questions and ideas of others.