1. Group Discussion

2. Assessment Task
You will be asked to participate in a group discussion on a set topic
4 (perhaps 5 people) per group
Discussions should last approximately 15 minutes - 3 sections of 5 minutes each
Scheduled for Week 11
More details to come later

3. What can you learn through discussion
To express opinions and support them with evidence
Understand a subject or a topic area more deeply
Argue constructively
Develop critical thinking skills
Improve language skills
Speak with confidence and authority
Work collectively on problems
Learn to come to a conclusion or solve problems.

4. Learn to listen
Listening is an important element of any discussion. Active listening is a skill that requires practice to develop.
Be an active listening – Stay attentive and focus on what is being said. Listen with an open mind and be receptive to new ideas and points of view. Think about how they fit with what you have already learnt.
Evaluate what is being said. Think about how it relates to the main idea/theme of the discussion.
Test your understanding. Mentally paraphrase what other speakers say. Take notes during the discussion about things to which you could respond.

5. Organisation Everyone introduces their opinion
Participants ask questions and discuss thoughts
Group summarises thoughts

6. Not a debate
The aim of a discussion is to swap knowledge and share ideas.
THERE IS NO WINNER!

7. How to use articles for support
The article should not GIVE you your opinion
It should be used to support your own opinion
Before you read the article, write down your opinion at the top of the sheet
Highlight parts that support your opinion

8. Paraphrasing
It is normal in discussions to use information from different sources.
However... You must put this information into your own words.
If you do not, it is considered plagiarism.