Discussion method of teaching

Discussion involves two-way communication between participants.
In the classroom situation a teacher and students all participate in discussion.
During discussion, the teacher spends some time listening while the students spend sometimes talking.
The discussion is, therefore, a more active learning experience for the students than the lecture.

1. D iscussion M ethod of T eaching Compiled By, Rupa Gupta

2. Discussion The word ‘discuss’ has been derived from Latin root ‘ discutere ’, which means to shake or strike. Thus ‘discussion’ refers to thoroughly shaking up the subject, that is, examining it thoroughly to reach a conclusion. A discussion is an activity of sitting and talking about a specific subject.

3. Discussion method Discussion involves two-way communication between participants. In the classroom situation a teacher and students all participate in discussion. During discussion, the teacher spends some time listening while the students spend sometimes talking. The discussion is, therefore, a more active learning experience for the students than the lecture.

4. Characteristics Ensure maximum participation. Students have the opportunity to criticize and evaluate. Logical and meaningful criticism should be accepted. Students should anchor the discussion themselves. Keeping teachers as guide.

5. Contd .. Teacher selects the topic only with the help of students. Teacher divides the class into different groups and gives the topic of the discussion to each group. Every group has a leader to anchor and conduct the discussion. Student who have leadership quality should be selected for anchoring.

6. Contd.. Relevant topic should only be considered. In the end, teacher draws the conclusion of the discussion with the help of leaders.

7. Forms of discussion Discussion may be informal or it may be a formal activity organised in the form of: - Debate - Symposium - Panel - Seminar - Brain storming.

8. Procedure of discussion The whole process of discussion is divided into four : (a) Preparation (b) Conduct of discussion (c) Assessment (d) Recording.

9. Appropriate use of discussion Discussion method is used in areas in which students already have some knowledge or experience, discussion may be used to develops the main points to be used to develop the main points to be covered in a lesson. Students can draw on their experience to contribute to the discussion.

10. Contd.. All subject expect : - mathematics - art - music and - dance can be taught. Discussion may also be used, following a lecture or demonstration, to help trainees apply what they have learned.

11. Role of teachers in discussion method. Express own opinion. Establish rules. Encourage participation. Support the ideas of students. If students hesitate, provide them with clues without saying answer. Simplify the question if they find it difficult. Attend all students avoid favouritism.

12. Advantages of discussion method. Discussion method can develop following abilities among students. Thinking and communicating powers Leadership quality Expression ability It develops study habits. Problem solving ability Creativity Motivation and Confidence

13. Contd.. • It is activity oriented. • It teaches how to study purposefully. • It helps the teacher to find leadership quality among students. • It helps in clarifying ideas, issues etc. • It creates better understanding of the topic, issues, events, ideas or concepts In short higher level cognitive and affective objectives can be realized through discussion method.

14. Disadvantage of discussion method There is a chance that only a few students may dominate the whole class. It is possible that discussion is initiated on those aspects of the problem with which few prominent students of the class are concerned. It is time consuming.

15. Contd.. Not adaptable to all teaching-learning situations. If it is not properly guided, a discussion can degenerate into a consideration of inappropriate topics adding confusion rather than clarification to the lesson.