Discussion lengths
I often insert discussions with analysis questions and critical thinking issues into my lectures to engage the students. I wasn't aware that it was a special strategy until now; however, it does bring to mind many comments from students regarding how they don't get much time to talk in other classes. My main concern is how much time should be devoted to discussion. I have a 90 minute class that meets twice a week and a 3.5 hour class that meets once a week. I want to make sure that I have an appropriate balance.
Hi Kathleen,
I like to always have more material to present than I need in case I finish early. If I finish early I can begin on the next day's work. It is best to be over prepared.
Patricia Scales
Think of it based on the time allotted in your lesson plan for that particular topic. If it's a technical matter that requires a certain amount of time for you to present material, subtract your presentation time from the overall time allotted for the topic on your lesson plan. If the topic can easily be gleaned by most students from pre-reading or some other activity, maybe the discussion time is longer since you don't have as much material to present to the audience.
Hi Colin,
You may want to try to implement a participation grade to encourage participation from everyone.
Patricia Scales
I need to find a different way of getting the students to open up to discussions in class. More often than not when I ask questions of the class everyone sits on their hands while the one or two exceptional students answer the questions.
The course that I teach has a fair amount of lecture and it would be nice to introduce more 'open discussions' to change up the pace.
Hi Arisa,
Students tend to enjoy class discussions. As the instructor you have to make sure that class discussions are timely and applicable to the course content. Do not allow your students to get off subject during class discussions.
Patricia Scales
Hi Melville,
You have to come up with a system that works for you. I love discussion, but I make sure that I cover what needs to be covered. The discussion is an added extra.
Patricia Scales
I often implement discussions in class doing my lectures. A number of reasons. it alerts me to my students critical thinking skills and gives my students tangible analysis of the subject.
