Mike’s Blog
Strategies, Ideas and Insights for Teachers and Leaders
Tag: structured discussion
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Structuring classroom discussion around a ‘planning meeting’ and what you need to know to make the activity fly
Planning Meeting Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity gives learners an opportunity to discuss the various ways a piece of work might be approached, prior to them getting underway with the…
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How does a ‘dispute resolution’ discussion activity work and what are the benefits for learners?
Dispute Resolution Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity mirrors those situations that can develop in real life, whereby two parties find themselves in conflict. The discussion centres on the resolution of…
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What is the ‘showcase’ discussion strategy and why is it a good tool to use when planning for oracy in your lessons?
Showcase Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity recreates an art gallery or museum set-up in the classroom. The teacher asks learners to complete an extended piece of work. Examples include: The…
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What does a problem-solving discussion look like and how can you use it to develop learners’ critical thinking?
Problem-Solving Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity asks learners to work together to solve a problem (or two). They must discuss whatever is at issue, exploring solutions as a group before…
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How can you structure a formal debate in your classroom and use it to help learners speak confidently in front of their peers?
Formal Debate Discussion Strategy: Explanation A formal debate is a highly structured, turn-taking discussion in which participants are bound by rules designed to create a competitive, antagonistic (in the sense…
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Why is putting a work discussion in your lesson plan a good way to help learners develop their speaking and listening skills while also getting them to think more critically?
Work Discussion Discussion Strategy: Explanation The teacher sets learners a major piece of work. Examples of what this might entail include an extended piece of writing, an independent project or…
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An overlooked activity that gets learners defending a position, building their confidence, and developing their ability to justify their ideas
‘Defend Your … X’ Discussion Strategy: Explanation Defending something orally or in writing takes a high level of skill. You need to persuasively advance your own arguments and critique the…
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Use this simple discussion activity to get every learner in your classroom engaged in debate and refining their thinking
Speed Debating Discussion Strategy: Explanation Present learners with a statement related to the topic of study. Divide the class in two. Explain that one half of the class will be…
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What is the round table classroom discussion strategy, how does it work, and how can you use it to motivate your learners?
Round Table Discussion Strategy: Explanation Round Table is an unstructured discussion activity in which learners take the lead. In terms of numbers, I’d suggest the following: The deciding factor will…
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Bring the PhD viva experience to your classroom and challenge learners to articulate themselves with clarity
Viva Discussion Strategy: Explanation A viva, or viva voce, is an oral examination, usually undertaken by PhD learners and used in some other educational settings. It involves one or more…