A must read for teacher candidates! - Discussion as a Way of Teaching

 

The first assigned reading that my classmates and I have encountered is from Discussion as a Way of Teaching. Although I have only read a small piece of the book I am very intrigued! The first chapter, “Discussion in a Democratic Society”, caught my attention because it broke down discussion, conversation and dialogue. Throughout the education program we have had countless scenarios, tools, and tips thrown at us for the classroom, and having an article tie all three together in regards to discussion, an important tool, made the article good for teacher candidates. “How Discussion Helps Learning and Enlivens Classrooms” is a chapter that all teacher candidates should read while going through the program. Discussion is an important part of the classroom, and helps students find their own voice while allowing them to work together to explore literature. My personal experience as a teacher candidate in a new classroom proved that having the full attention of the classroom did not come easy. Using discussion in the classroom gives me the opportunity to allow a level of control for the students as well as myself. Discussion is based on the flow of the classroom, and the article shared a variety tips for using discussion and the benefits that come from discussion. Discussion encourages students to listen, to explore and to learn: each of which are individually important and I hope to see in my future classroom. I liked that the article broke down each of the benefits and explored obstacles that students and teachers may come across as well as how the discussion benefit will enhance student learning. An important benefit that I found myself completely intrigued by was that discussion affirms students as co creators of knowledge. This is important in the classroom because when students are discussing they are creating insight, validating and refuting claims that they find and are exposed to alternative perspectives from their peers in a whole class setting. This article was also helpful to the teacher candidate because it reminds the reader of why the teacher may lose faith in the use of discussion. When considering my future classroom I worry that I may have to high of expectations for classroom discussion. This article reminds the reader that participation is a lifelong learning project and that teachers need to not blame their students for lack of participation. The teacher needs to know when to take control, what questions to ask their students, and verbal cues to help students begin conversations. I would highly recommend this book to teacher candidates in any stage of the program.