My Classroom Discussion Method

By

Katie Law

 Speech for Teachers

Janet Poppenga

 March 17, 2004

My Classroom Discussion Method

     I believe the discussion method is a very good method to have in any classroom.  It allows students to speak up and say what is on their mind about the subject being talked about.  They also can use it to broaden their understanding of other possible explanations of the discussion topic.  Unfortunately, with working with groups or discussion groups certain students get left out and say nothing.  They have a right to choose to say nothing, but the goal is to have everyone take equal part in the discussion.  There is also the student who discusses everything and doesn’t let anyone talk.  Within the classroom setting, there are always problems with certain methods.  Discussion topics can get out of hand and be irrelevant to the class also.  Topics, such as talking about weekend plans or what happened at the party the other night are all topics that are deemed irrelevant in the classroom.  Students need to know what is appropriate to discuss in groups at school and what isn’t.

     Three topics that I find the discussion method appropriate are 1.  Discussions about topics a group wants to do a presentation on. This is the basic kind of group discussion in which everyone takes part.  2.  Discussions about a homework assignment that was difficult or that was very important.  This is the most common topic for literature classes and perhaps history classes.  3.  Discussions about how the material presented affected students in the class.  This could be appropriate for literature, history, science, and just about anything.  Perhaps the material on Hitler struck the nerves of some students.  They have a right to discuss what it meant to them. 

     All of these topics are very relevant in any classroom setting.  Students should be encouraged to discuss what they feel with peers or teachers and shouldn’t be dissuaded to share their opinion.  The teacher has to decide if the topic being discussed in class is appropriate or relevant or if inappropriate or irrelevant.