by Summer Best
MAMC student, University of Florida

Using discussion as a teaching tool has been shown to be a popular and effective way to reach students academically on many learning levels. The technique allows teachers to pose problems, listen, and challenge, while promoting learning by doing and practice in thinking through problems.

Benefits of Using Discussion

In McKeachie’s Teaching Tips, authors Wilbert J. McKeachie and Marilla Svinicki note several of the following benefits discussion can provide:

• It helps participants evaluate the logic and evidence of several viewpoints on a topic.
• It offers opportunities to formulate applications of principles.
• It develops motivation for future and collaborative learning; provides a catalyst for continued discussion.
• It allows students to participate in the conversation – as opposed to sitting and listening to lecture.
• It helps us offer opportunities to make informed, reasoned next actions in a new context.
• It offers an opportunity to break apart an idea or an ideal and put the concept back together with thoughtfulness and respect for each contributor in the discussion.

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