Eberly Center

Promoting Student Participation in Whole-Group Discussions

Adams, A.

This is a teaching strategy that promotes student participation in whole-group discussion through the use of 1.) explicit instruction about whole-group discussion and 2.) the opportunity to discuss in small groups before whole-group discussion. During explicit instruction, students learn the importance of considering multiple points of view, a variety of discussion moves they can use to participate (e.g., agreeing, asking a question, etc.), and how class discussions will be conducted. During actual whole-group discussions, students meet first in small groups and then reconvene as an entire class to talk about discussion questions. This discussion strategy was implemented in "Reading and Writing in an Academic Context", a first-year writing course, though the discussion moves could be adapted to other courses. Attendees will receive a worksheet with group discussion guidelines to provide to students, as well as an example lesson plan that models how to incorporate a group discussion.

Alexis Adams, Modern Languages DC