My Response to "Discussion as a Way of Teaching" by Stephen Brookfield

Classroom discussion is a great way to engage your students on topics and lessons you are teaching in the class. Discussions can either be great, or they can be awkward filled with silence and students that either don’t want to speak up or students that don’t know how to speak up. In the article that we were provided in class I have taken some of my favorite points that Bookfield talked about, and the opinion that I have on them or how I would use them in my classroom. I think that it is very important to tell students before they participate in a class discussion what it looks like to be respectful and what it sounds like to be respectful. This can seem like it is childish to have to explain to young adults what respect looks and sounds like, however; once these ground rules are covered there is no excuse or tolerance for rude or disrespectful behavior. I also believe that some students are going to need help when it comes to conversations and classroom discussions. Students that tend to be more shy or introverted might not have the conversational skills necessary to be involved in a discussion, especially if others are taking over the conversation. I appreciated that this essay had conversational moves that students could use to break into the discussion if they didn’t know how or felt intimidated. Some of the conversational moves that I really appreciated that I could see myself using in my own classroom are listed below.

Conversational moves: specific moves-

1.       Make a comment that at least partly paraphrases a point someone has already made

2.       Make a summary observation that considers several people's contributions & that touches on a recurring theme in the discussion

3.       Ask a cause and effect question - for example, "can you explain why you think it's true that if

these things are in place such and such a thing will occur?" Another resource that I found very useful was the Hatful of quotes: this has an interesting role in group conversations, there is always someone and maybe some of you were that someone, or still are, that choose to pass in group conversations. It seems like it is nice, giving students the option to not speak if they really do not want to however; are we then allowing them to reach there full potential if they are not being pushed or being a little uncomfortable? It is the teachers job to teach them responsibly and this means making sure they get the most out of a lesson through their participation, it will only help them in their understanding of the material. Hatful of quotes allows the students who are still not comfortable with the idea of speaking out in class contribute without having to come up with their entire response on their own, making them feel less stressed about the activity will help them build confidence for when they must do it again. The Speech policy and the declaration that was made from the teacher to the students contradicts the hatful of quotes philosophy. As a teacher you are going to have to decide which version of teacher you want to be, the one that is going to implore that you speak, or a relaxed version that doesn’t mind you not speaking. The last resource that I want to talk about is The Classroom Critical Incident Questionnaire- as teachers we should constantly be wanting to reflect on how we are doing with educating our students and what they are receiving from the lessons. Reflection is the best way to improve and change lessons to fit better in your classroom but also to adapt to change to students needs as well. This also pairs well with the learning audit tip that was provided. Having multiple different modes of reflection for students to use is going to be very useful for you as the teacher but also for the students. While reflection is vital to the success of teachers to better adapt and understand the lessons they are teaching, it is also very important for students. Students need the opportunity to reflect on what they already know, what they have learned, and what is still uncomfortable for them. Having a constant source of reflection for both the students and the teachers will only help your classroom flow smoothly, and keep a sense of transparency between you and your students.