Improving Classroom Discussion

If you were to ask a group of Sunday school teachers about their favorite method of teaching, they would probably say it is discussion. While discussion may be one of the best and most interesting methods of teaching, there are several potential problems that every teacher should be aware of:

Be careful that pupils don’t go off on a tangent and never get back on the original subject. The teacher must keep a firm hand to maintain control of the discussion.

Teachers must prepare very, very well for discussion. The teacher must be prepared to introduce and start the discussion. This may include asking some thought-provoking questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer. The teacher should also set a definite goal, propose a way to get there and give guidance along the way to help reach that goal.

There are times when no one will talk. A good way to help avoid this is by introducing the subject in terms interesting to the group and using some incident pertinent to their experiences. Give pupils the opportunity to get used to each other and to know each other. Again, good questions will help break the ice and get people talking.

There are other times when everyone wants to talk at once. When this happens, a firm hand will be needed. Don’t be afraid to teach a few lessons in common courtesy. The teacher may even need to take over the discussion at times, to keep it in hand. A mixture of diplomacy and knowledge of the subject and of human nature will usually overcome the difficulty.

(This article appeared in the "Fall, 1995" issue of "The Herald.")