DEFINITION
It is a type of teaching method in which both teachers and students work together to discuss the content in the form of dialogue.
CHARACTERISTICS
This method involves participation from both sides—teacher and learner.
It is a two-way communication process.
The discussion can take place between groups, peers, or the whole class.
Students share their opinions, ideas, feelings with the teacher and other students.
This method includes thinking, listening, and speaking.
The teacher makes sure everyone gets a turn and is also responsible for keeping the students on track and focused on the discussion.
The teacher tries to avoid distractions and also lead the conversation in the right way in case if it gets off track.
Students get a chance to learn from each other and not only the teacher.
PROCESS
STEP 1: The teacher plans the activity before going into the classroom. She plans how she will introduce the topic and what kind of discussion they will have. She also plans different strategies that might come in handy when the students get distracted or off-track.
STEP 2: She goes into the classroom and implements the plan. Students give their ideas and the teacher monitors turn giving and turn-taking. She makes sure every student participates in the discussion.
STEP 3: The teacher recaps the topic and final conclusions of the discussion. She encourages the students to participate again next time and also compliments them for their ideas.
STEP 4: The teacher makes a mental note of which students did not participate often and who did. She plans again for next time, repeating the process.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
In conclusion, the discussion method is effective for all grade levels but it is usually employed in higher classes. Since this method allows humans to act naturally and share their ideas and feelings, it is one of the most-liked methods. Although it is time-consuming, it promotes essential skills i.e. how to communicate ideas, creativity, and problem-solving attitudes. A suggestion to make it better is to restrict the discussion to a time limit so that every student participates.
ALSO READ ABOUT PEDAGOGY
Currently, I am a student of Fatima Jinnah Women University. With a burning passion for psychology, words, and dreams, I decided to abandon medical studies for humanities. These days, when I’m not listening to ballads, watching movies, or sitting down with a good novel, I am rigorously studying Hangul (Korean language) to satisfy my obsession for BTS and K dramas. I’m a thinking introvert and INFJ personality. Therefore, I like ‘me time’. My articles typically resonate with psychological well-being advice.