Discussions as a Way of Teaching

I think this article is important because it talks about the rules needed to have a hearty, and effective discussion.

All too often, I have been involved in a discussion where everyone is just shouting whatever they want, and everyone is talking over each other. There are no good ideas or thoughts being shared and talked about - instead, it is a free-for-all on who can talk the loudest. 

While reading over some of the rules in the article, it actually reminded me of a kindgergarden classroom - the golden rule and such. Speak the way you would want someone to speak to you, basically being respectful. Sitting in a circle to control the conversations, and writing them down on an index card are more examples they give on how to have a good discussion. I especially like the idea of "newsprint dialogues" because it creates small group work for the students to bounce ideas and thoughts off each other. It makes it easier for those who are a bit more shy to be able to speak up in a smaller group.

I feel that this should be common sense, but some people don't have any. I think this article has good information, and being in a classroom setting, it might be beneficial to try out a few of these different techniques and see which one might work from class to class.