Chapter 9 - Instructional Media: Chalkboards to Video - CGISS

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Use groups to debate the sides (there may be more
than two) of the issue.
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Set up observers as judges and instruct them. Set other
observers as timers.
❒
To make observers even more active, ask them to add
additional points to the debate that were not covered.
Class Discussions*
The Intention
Discussions provide opportunities for students to demonstrate
their knowledge of what they are learning in the classroom, as
well as allowing for clarification, questions, and expressions of
opinion. As the instructor, you can provide immediate feedback
and correct misunderstandings. Discussions can be used to:
• Help students learn to identify and evaluate the logic and
evidence that forms the basis of their own and others’
positions.
• Give students opportunities to formulate applications of
principles.
• Help students identify and formulate problems using
information gained in reading or lectures.
• Use the resources of members of the group.
• Help students learn to think in ways that are particular to the
discipline.
• Gain acceptance for information or theories counter to
previous beliefs of students.
• Get prompt feedback on how well objectives are being
accomplished.
The Activity
Open-ended discussion
If the objective is to promote critical thinking, curiosity about the
topic, or tolerance for opposing viewpoints, open-ended
discussions are most appropriate.
• Use broad questions to get the discussion started, but
students formulate the majority of questions and have more
control of the discussion.
• Allow ample time for all students to respond and encourage a
lateral rather than teacher-directed response pattern.
Section: Lesson Delivery 89 Chapter 8: Using Active Learning