Teaching Activities:
Starting
How well does everyone in the class know each other? The better
we know one another, the
more comfortable we will be with discussions.
Classroom logistics (how to arrange students; advantages/disadvantages
of a circle)
Think about where you want to end before you start
Begin discussion format from the start of the semester; if
possible on the very first day. Make it clear that discussions
have specific goals and outcomes and are a part of the class’s
reward
structure.
If possible, have students begin the discussion.
HOW:
-E-mail/Listserv discussions in advance of class meeting
-Passages they marked in an annotated reading
-Questions about the material
-Have them read something they prepared
-Read something they handed in earlier (indirect student voice)
-Pre-designated student discussion leader(s)
-Start in small groups; each group gives reports in large group
Asking Questions:
“A good question is never answered”
(John Ciardi)
- Encourage inquiry, not just answers
- Try to think of patterns of related questions rather than
individual, isolated ones.
- Have STUDENTS ask questions to each other
- Model listening, not just responding
- Attentive listening; questions and responses based on what
students have said
- Take notes while students speak.
- Reinforce continuity. Make you and your students responsible
for keeping track of information and of connections.
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