Discussions as a Way of Teaching

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 Throughout my college career, I have been introduced to discussion-based learning. I always found it very productive in my classes, I’ve also had many classes with many various personalities that helped form a wide variety of insight throughout discussions. I always found our classroom discussions very productive and helpful. Discussions have given me so much insight to so many different points of views I have never thought about when it comes to reading and interpreting.

    I have never opened my eyes to see how much structure is produced to support and obtain a productive class discussion. Teachers must be prepared for the subject changing courses throughout the discussion along with other potential aspects that can make the discussion go off course. After reading “Discussion as A Way of Teaching” by Stephen Brookfield, my eyes were opened to the structure behind productive discussions and how they can also fail. One part of this read that really stuck out to me was the no teacher modeling fail. I’ve had a lot of discussions where the teacher kicks them off, and I think it is very beneficial for the teacher to break the ice for the discussion. I feel as if a lot of students don’t want to be the first one to speak up. Teachers starting the discussion can also kick start the students' thoughts and opinions. 

      The "conversational roles" approach really stuck out to me as a way to generate a productive discussion. I have never experienced this type of structure in my past classes however, I would like to try this approach in my own classroom during my teaching career. I believe giving students an important role in the discussion can help them feel important and more included.  The students who obtain a conversational role can help the other students project their thoughts/feelings along with helping them connect more to the group. 

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