Leading Discussion Sessions Structuring Create a climate that is conducive to open communication Outline expectations Outline role relationships for teacher and students Establish the lesson climate Maintain the established lesson When necessary, add to or modify the lesson Copyright 2001 by Allyn and Bacon

Leading Discussion Sessions Focus Setting Establish an explicit and common topic or issue for discussion A topic may be presented Can restate the original question or shift to a new discussion topic Can bring the discussion back to the original topic Can label a discussion question by a student as a new topic Copyright 2001 by Allyn and Bacon

Leading Discussion Sessions Clarifying Help the teacher understand a student’s comment Should clarify for students what the teacher does not understand The burden of understanding on the teacher, not the student Teacher does not assume the responsibility of clarifying for students Copyright 2001 by Allyn and Bacon

Leading Discussion Sessions Acknowledging Informs a student that the teacher understands Informs student that he/she has contributed to the discussion Can be implemented non-verbally Nonjudgmental method for saying “I understand” Teacher Silence Informs students that it is their responsibility to carry on the discussion Used only in response to student silence Copyright 2001 by Allyn and Bacon