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T3: Student-Led Discussions

Do you want your students to engage in more meaningful conversations during your lessons? Is "Turn and Talk" a staple in your classroom, but the excitement is waning? Let's talk about some effective discussion strategies.

When students engage in authentic discussions with their peers, they are able to practice some valuable skills:

  • Communicating ideas clearly
  • Active listening
  • Elaborating on an idea presented
  • Disagreeing with an idea presented 
There's no doubt that students love to talk, but we have to teach them how to converse with peers in a meaningful way that leads to deeper learning. Here are a few ideas to change up your class discussions. Thanks to Lindsay Ann Learning for some great suggestions! 

1) Graffiti Wall
I have used this in my classroom before and it is a great way to start the conversation with reluctant learners. Place a large sheet of butcher paper on tables, or post chart paper on the wall. Pose a question, write a quote, or include an idea for students to ponder. They jot down ideas independently on the paper. Then, ask students to walk around the room and read what other students wrote. This gives them a chance to consider other perspectives and ideas that might be different from their own. Ask students to discuss something that stood out with a peer or a small group. Non-threatening, quick, and great practice for lengthier discussions.

2) Speed Dating...without the regret
This strategy is great for Chatty Cathys and Shy Sheilas. Put students in two concentric circles facing each other. The outer circle stays in place while the inner circle rotates. When you say, "Stop!" students have to find the closest person across from them. Give them a discussion topic and allow them to chat for 1-2 minutes. Rotate the inner circle and repeat the process. This gets every student talking with someone that they might not know very well without having to stand up in front of the whole class. This is also a great faculty meeting discussion strategy to get teachers up and moving. :)

3) Panel Discussion
After students have completed research on a topic, they get to be the experts! Set up your classroom like a press conference with a panel in the front and students in chairs facing the panel. The experts get to share information that they have learned and then open the floor to questions. Audience members can challenge ideas presented or ask questions. I really like this idea because students have to respond specifically to what they heard the panelists say. Active listening is required! 

Students need frequent opportunities to discuss what they are learning in fun and meaningful ways. Branch outside of "Turn and Talk," and you'll be amazed at what you hear! 



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