What can we learn about

Discussion?

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Drawn From: Teaching Teachers to Lead Discussions: Democratic Education in Content and Method Parker, in Principles and Practices of Democracy in the Education of Social Studies Teachers (Eds. Patrick & Leming, 2001) and Parker, W. (2001). Classroom Discussion: Models for Leading Seminars and Deliberations. Social Education 65 (2), pp.111-115. The disctinctive and peculiar contribution which discussion has to play in the development of one's knowledge or understanding...is to set alongside one perception of the matter under discussion the several perceptions of other participants...challenging our own view of things with those of others (David Bridges, 1979, p.50) Seminars- Discussions aimed at enlarging students' understanding of texts (print documents, primary or secondary sources, historical fiction, transcribed speeches, photography, painting, theater, social happenings, etc...). Goal is seeking understanding which requires clarifying meaning and relationships. Tips: Don't raise hands Listen to and build on one another's comments Invite others into the discussion Support opinions by referring to passages in the book Tie what you know into the interpretation of the text Deliberation- Discussions aimed at making decisions about what a "we" should do (i.e., weigh policy alternatives for action, is it fair? will it work?). Requires weighing alternatiaves and deciding what action to take. Tips: Hear all sides equally Listen well enough to respond to and build upon each other's ideas Talking loudly is no substitute for reasoning Back up opinions with clear reasons Speak one at a time In a social studies class, seminars and deliberation should be done in tandem in order to develop the skills needed for democratic citizenship.