Adapted from Robert Fisher, Teaching Children to Learn Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham 1995. Chapter 4: Discussing

A discussion is more than an ordinary conversation. A discussion is where people talk about a serious topic with the intention of improving their knowledge, understanding or judgment.  The people taking part must really want to achieve this improvement.

• They must talk to others truthfully,
• they must listen to others with an open mind, and
• they must respond to what others say with respect.

 As a teacher, you can assess whether a genuine discussion has taken place by asking the following questions:

• Did the learners talk to one another?
• Did they listen to each other?
• Have they responded to what others said?
• Have they considered different viewpoints?
• Have they shown development of knowledge, understanding or judgment?