1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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