Mike’s Blog
Strategies, Ideas and Insights for Teachers and Leaders
Tag: discussion strategies
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Channel Mel Gibson in Braveheart and give your learners the freedom they desire during your next classroom discussion
Free Discussion Discussion Strategy: Explanation Many discussion activities are heavily structured. This is to ensure learners get the most out of discussion, stay on task, and are challenged in a…
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Make use of this age-old drama technique to quickly and effortlessly stimulate discussion, minimal planning required
Freeze-Frame Discussion Strategy: Explanation A freeze-frame is a dramatic device. It is a point at which the ‘camera’ has stopped. The before and after are not seen by the audience,…
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Create a goldfish bowl in your lesson, stand back, and watch the impact of peer modelling unfold before your eyes
Goldfish Bowl Discussion Strategy: Explanation A goldfish swims about in its bowl, visible to anyone who walks past. The glass is no defence against the prying eyes of the world!…
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Why a little bit of distance can transform who speaks in your classroom, and how confident they feel to do so
Distancing Discussion Strategy: Explanation Some topics can be difficult for learners to discuss because the material is too personal. Equally, some topics can evoke feelings and emotions that inhibit discussion.…
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How can you use hot-seating to engage learners, develop their confidence, and boost the quality of their speaking and listening?
Hot-Seating Discussion Strategy: Explanation Hot-seating is a dramatic device where learners face questions from their peers and the teacher. The version we’ll look at sees learners invited to take on…
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What makes ‘value continuum’ a memorable activity to use in classroom discussion and as part of your planning?
Value Continuum Discussion Strategy: Explanation A continuum is a link between two things. It usually spans a large range and often encompasses all possible positions regarding a topic. In our…
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Use the old-fashioned design of jigsaws to put teamwork front and centre when learners are discussing in your lessons
Jigsawing Discussion Strategy: Explanation This task promotes teamwork and sees learners working with a variety of different people. Begin by dividing the class into groups of four. Provide each group…
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Send learners around the classroom, retain control of behaviour, and realise the benefits of discussion, all through one tried and tested activity
Envoys Discussion Strategy: Explanation The room is set up so that there are a series of pods, each of which is occupied by a group of three or four learners.…
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Why putting learners into groups of three creates the perfect opportunity for focussed listening that everyone can access
Listening Triads Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity is highly structured. Listening is given prominence and learners get an opportunity to take on different roles. Divide the class into groups of…
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A way to structure discussion that uses nothing more than a set of cards to achieve outstanding impact
Card Talk Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity uses cards to encourage learners to discuss different aspects of a topic. You can use it with pairs or groups. Create a set…