8 Ways to Make Discussion Techniques Work

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Hearing and listening are not the same thing. Truly listening is a process that engages the heart as well as the ears and mind. Discussing what we hear and what we say can move us from merely hearing to really listening.

Discussion is a two-way process of communication, a teaching tool that can be emancipating for teachers because the role of the teacher moves from dynamic leader/presenter to learning catalyst. How much the teacher participates is greatly reduced because participants critically analyze material and gain a clearer understanding of content. Learning through discussion takes us beyond the mere knowledge level of learning because we connect the content with our personal perspectives - our beliefs, values and prior learning. 

Consider some tips for using discussion as a teaching method.

1. Set ground rules. If you want to use this tool regularly, spend a few minutes at the beginning of a session to develop with participants a set of rules by which everyone adheres. For example, a person can speak only one time until two others have spoken, no one attacks another person even though one may take issue with a comment, and so forth. Have the class adopt the rules and stick by them.

2. Recognize the importance of silence. Silence is time to reflect and process. Silence allows people to ponder how a statement or question connects with their own values and beliefs. Silence is necessary.

3. Allow participation in ways other than verbal. Some people prefer to draw or illustrate their thoughts while others might want to act out their ideas. Dialogical communication is more than verbal activity.

4. Be aware that emotions may become visible in discussion. Sometimes discussion hits a nerve or touches a suppressed pain from the past. When this happens, encourage expressing those emotions without being hostile to others.

5. Mediate the discussion, but when possible, stay neutral. Teachers might need to clarify biblical positions, particularly on social or controversial issues, but the teacher should facilitate the discussion without favoring one side or the other as a rule.

6. Help participants understand what they are saying. Playing devil’s advocate can help when something might be off track or when someone takes an extreme position.

7. Become fully informed about the content. Be familiar with different perspectives of an issue so you can facilitate discussion from knowledge of the issue as well as the content of the lesson.

8. Recognize that this is not the only good teaching technique. Some people are not comfortable being involved in a discussion. Affirm their desire not to be involved. Talk with people who resist speaking out in class; ask them to share their thoughts with you through personal conversations or in writing following the session. Never force everyone to participate.

Remember that when true dialogue occurs, you are involved in a revealing experience. For some, this is the first time they have wrestled with the appropriateness of their ideas and values. For others, this approach opens doors to the heart that may have been closed for a long time. In still others a personal conflict may arise because someone might discover hidden sin or the lack of real faith in Jesus. Spend time with individuals so you can help them become spiritually transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article