Discussion_Practicalities

How a discussion is set up can help minimise any potential problems and sticky moments. ROOM SETUP The setup of most science laboratories is good for carrying out experiments but not for effective discussions. Where possible move furniture so that everyone is comfortable, able to make eye contact and can hear everyone else. If this is not possible is there another room that could be used' Set the scene in the room with related posters or objects. GROUND RULES Often the best way to establish ground rules for a discussion-based session is for the students to determine their own. Stick to about three to five rules, which they can be reminded of at the start of each session. Some suggestions: Respect everyone’s opinion even if it is not the same as yours. Views can be expressed without interruption, but only one person at a time may speak. Use ‘talk tokens’ such as a talking conch. Be conscious of body language and non-verbal responses – they can be as disrespectful as words. Challenge the idea not the individual. FOCUS AND CONCLUSION A good discussion should have an aim (What do you want to get from the discussion') and make sure everyone knows what the discussion is about. A good discussion about a topic will only occur if people feel they know enough to have an opinion. Basic knowledge of the topic can be given before the session or as part of the ‘hook’ or body of the session. VOTING A good discussion may change participants’ opinions and so it is useful to measure opinions before and after the activity. There are many different techniques that can be used: A simple ‘hands up’ can be a quick way to gauge opinion. Use the classroom as a barometer, with one side of the room labelled ‘for’ and the opposite side labelled ‘against’. Ask students to stand where their opinion lies. Traffic lights. Hold up coloured cards: red for against, green for agree, amber for not sure. Agree/disagree cards. One side reads agree, the other disagree. Secret ballot. SMS voting. TIMEKEEPING Keep a close eye on the time and how the discussion is progressing. Have a clear idea how long the discussion should last, but remain flexible.