Teaching Resources

 Discussion Techniques
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Overview

Class discussion often results in an increased curiosity about the subject area, more positive perceptions about the value of the subject, higher rating of the course, increased time spent reading materials related to the subject, and higher attendance. However, there are also some drawbacks to class discussion: several participants may dominate the discussion, the discussion seems to disrupt class flow, or participants may seem bored during discussions. There are many discussion techniques, designed for small or large classes, which will be helpful in promoting the positive aspects of class discussion and avoiding the negative aspects.

MTSU Resources

Teaching Tip

LTITC Resources

From our library--

Bender, T. (2003). Discussion-based online teaching to enhance student learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

Knowlton, S. & Obarefoot, B. (1999). Using national newspapers in the college classroom: Resources to improve teaching and learning. New York: The New York Times Press.

Lee, V.S. (2004). Teaching and learning through inquiry: A guidebook for institutions and instructors. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

Online Resources: Tips and Strategies

Ohio State Handbook on Electronic Discussion

Structuring Online Discussion from Tom Cantu, Instructional Designer, Towson State.

Eberly Teaching Excellence Center at Carnegie Mellon  provides a brilliant interactive diagnostic tool for teaching problems such as with discussion in class.  One of the best on the academic web.

ASU Delicious tags for discussion techniques.

Online Publications:  Viewpoints, Articles, Books...