Discussion as a Tool for Learning By Ms

Discussion as a Tool for Learning By Ms. MEENA SUBBA B. Ed 1 st Sem, Roll NO. 28 Session 2016 -2018 University of B. T. & Evening College, Coochbehar

What is Discussion? The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas. [Oxford. ] In Educational context it is seen as a “socialized group method of teaching”.

The development of an ever-increasing capacity for learning and an appreciation of and sensitivity to learning undertaken by others. -John Dewey (1916)

Purpose of Discussion To help the participants reach a more critical understanding about the topic under consideration. To enhance participants’ self-awareness and their capacity for self-critique. To foster an appreciation among the participants for the diversity of opinion. To act as a catalyst and help people develop participatory skills that contributes to democracy in the long run.

Features of Discussion Method It is a group method It needs a topic to be discussed Every discussion has a leader It requires students and teacher to assemble at a designated place and time It is speaking, listening and observing process

Types of Discussion Method 1. Informal/Uncontrolled Discussion 2. Formal/Controlled Discussion I. Panel Discussion II. Symposium III. Debate IV. Interview V. Role play

Panel Discussion Panel and topic is selected Discusses Answers various aspects of the topic audience’s questions Chairperson sums up the salient points

Symposium Groups Write Read are formed, topic is selected an article out the write-ups Exchange views, comment on positive and negative aspects

Debate Controversial Groups statement is chosen are formed, speak for and against Emphasis is given on the logical and reasonable thinking

Interview Students ask question to an expert of subject for better understanding Teachers Clear can invite experts from outside their doubts

Role play Try to portray situation Put themselves in the characters No prior preparation, no scripted dialogue, no stage décor Enhances their communicative skill

Informal Discussion Method This type of discussion is conducted without prior preparation where teachers and the students take part freely and express their opinion without any hesitation. Teacher indirectly controls the discussion and leads the class.

Formal Discussion Method A formal discussion is conducted according to predetermined procedure. Generally, a leader or a chairperson is selected before the discussion proceeds and he conducts the whole process.

Advantages of Discussion Method: 1. It makes them self-confident. 2. It encourages attentive and respectful listening. 3. It develops their power of cognitive thinking and reasoning. 4. It develops their communicative skill. 5. It shows respect for the students’ voices sand experiences. 6. It makes learning interesting. 7. It develops democratic way of thinking. 8. It emphasizes on learning instead of teaching. 9. It inculcates the spirit of tolerance. 10. It develops new ideas and clearifies concepts.

Disadvantages of Discussion Method: 1. If unplanned the whole process will end-up in chaotic disorder. 2. It may demoralize the students. 3. It is a time consuming method. 4. There is possibility of meaningless digression if the teacher is not able to keep the situation under control. 5. It may develop an unhealthy competition among students. 6. It may develop a feeling of inferiority-complex. 7. It is not appropriate for all the topics. 8. It is not so helpful for stammers and shy students.

Conclusion: So in conclusion we can sum up that discussion method, even though it has several merits, cannot be used as a method complete in itself. It is better used as a complementary process of learning. Best result will be obtained if it is correlated and mixed with other methods in teaching.

References: Language Across The Curriculum Oxford (Pg. 145 -146) By Dr. Piku Chowdhury (Pg. 158 -164) By Dr. Malayendu Dinda Online Dictionary Oxford University Press https: //www. scribd. com/doc/35026690/Teaching- Methods (Dt. 09/09/2016)

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