{"id":913,"date":"2018-12-04T11:31:45","date_gmt":"2018-12-04T11:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.skolera.com\/?p=913"},"modified":"2026-03-29T15:31:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:31:58","slug":"discussion-based-teaching-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Discussion-based teaching methods and strategies and how to carry them out"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Has teaching become a routine? You prepare the lesson, explain it to the students, help them solve some problems about it, then repeat. Trying out new teaching methods can energize the students and break the monotony of the classroom. While <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/modern-methods-teaching\/\">modern teaching methods<\/a><\/span> can sometimes be unavailable or unaffordable, you can apply discussion-based teaching methods in your classroom right away. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers may know the material more than students, but they are no longer expected to do all the talking. Studies have been in favor of approaches that require classroom dialogue and discussion. Discussion-based teaching methods were found to \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.3102\/00028312040003685\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internalize the knowledge and skills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d that students need to perform tasks on their own and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase their comprehension<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the material.x<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a class=\"maxbutton-1 maxbutton maxbutton-request-a-free-demo\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3KsFOla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class='mb-text'>Get Started Skolera For FREE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d432f2b9045\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d432f2b9045\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Here_are_3_discussion-based_teaching_methods_for_you_to_try_out\" >Here are 3 discussion-based teaching methods for you to try out<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Problem-based_Learning\" >Problem-based Learning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Group_work\" >Group work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Classroom_Debate\" >Classroom Debate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Thats_why_we_have_some_tips_that_can_help_in_your_discussion-based_teaching_strategies\" >That\u2019s why we have some tips that can help in your discussion-based teaching strategies:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Plan_ahead\" >Plan ahead<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Create_a_safe_space\" >Create a safe space<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Set_some_rules\" >Set some rules<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/discussion-based-teaching-methods\/#Be_a_moderator_not_a_manager\" >Be a moderator, not a manager<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_are_3_discussion-based_teaching_methods_for_you_to_try_out\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Here are 3 discussion-based teaching methods for you to try out<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Problem-based_Learning\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Problem-based Learning<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-917 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.skolera.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hand-2208491_1920-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"problem based learning teaching methods\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hand-2208491_1920-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hand-2208491_1920-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hand-2208491_1920-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hand-2208491_1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">PBL is a teaching method used to develop students\u2019 problem solving and application of knowledge. Teachers provide students with real-life complex problem and ask them to explore, research, and work together to reach a solution. Students who learn using PBL were found to<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1520409\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> retain knowledge for longer time and use knowledge in real world situations more effectively<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than those who learn in traditional methods.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Group_work\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Group work<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-922 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.skolera.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teamwork-2499632_1920-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"group work teaching methods\" width=\"640\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teamwork-2499632_1920-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teamwork-2499632_1920-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teamwork-2499632_1920-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teamwork-2499632_1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to training students to collaborate, group work urges students to use their knowledge practically. In a group setting, students are required to work together on a project. To produce the final project, students have to discuss their work together. Group work was found to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ctl.wustl.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase the students\u2019 individual achievement and enhance their communication skills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Classroom_Debate\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Classroom Debate<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-919 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.skolera.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/face-535769_1920-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"class debate teaching method\" width=\"640\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/face-535769_1920-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/face-535769_1920-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/face-535769_1920-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/face-535769_1920-800x567.jpg 800w, https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/face-535769_1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only are debates a great way to motivate students, but they are also very useful in teaching them how to build valid arguments. Students feel motivated to know more about the topics being discussed. They research and explore because they want to defend their side of the argument properly. This type of activities was found to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/288655341_Classroom_debate_as_a_systematic_teachinglearning_approach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enhance critical thinking skills and the frequency of generating new ideas and solutions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Carrying out a class discussion effectively can be tricky. It is difficult to make everyone listen and to not drift away from the main purpose of the discussion. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thats_why_we_have_some_tips_that_can_help_in_your_discussion-based_teaching_strategies\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">That\u2019s why we have some tips that can help in your discussion-based teaching strategies:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plan_ahead\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Plan ahead<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Prepare the topics beforehand. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never go to class without knowing what you want to talk about. Time can fly (especially when you don\u2019t want it to), and, before you know it, you\u2019ve spent half the class brainstorming for ideas. You can share the topic ahead of class using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skolera LMS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so that students can think about the discussion before it begins. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a much more functional discussion, <\/span><b>prepare a list of questions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your topics. Sometimes, discussions reach a dead end much earlier than you thought they would. Therefore, it is smart to be ready with questions that can stimulate the discussion back to life. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_a_safe_space\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Create a safe space<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking up can be intimidating for a lot of students. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to work on making everyone comfortable. <\/span><b>Know your students and call them by their names<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to make them feel valuable and gain their trust. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that, while some students are more comfortable listening, others want to speak and ask but feel shy. So make sure to always <\/span><b>encourage them to ask questions and have their questions answered<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other students avoid participating because they don\u2019t want to say a wrong answer. To have a healthy discussion, students need to feel comfortable sharing what\u2019s on their mind. Therefore, <\/span><b>listen carefully to everyone and show respect to all questions and remarks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Set_some_rules\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Set some rules<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students, especially younger ones, can get out of control. For instance, if teachers give them a bit of freedom to move in class, they will start running around in no time. Discussions can be risky in a class full of active students, so you need to be careful and focused. Here is an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/Upload\/Classroom%20Discussion%20Guidelines-English.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">infographic<\/a> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with some rules for students to follow during class discussions. You can print it out and hang it in class. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_a_moderator_not_a_manager\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">Be a moderator, not a manager<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balancing between having the discussion under control and controlling the discussion is necessary. If the students express opinions opposing yours, <\/span><b>do not force your opinions on them<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Stay objective and show the available objective evidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when there is conflict. This way, students will be free to construct their own arguments to support their claims and dispute others\u2019. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, students have a lot to say about topics that the teachers don\u2019t know about. Try to <\/span><b>integrate their remarks into the discussion. <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is also very useful to <\/span><b>consistently summarize the main points discussed and have them written on the board<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It will prevent the discussion from going off topic or in circles and provide a summary of the discussion at the end of class. Skolera LMS can help you share those points with students. This way, they will reflect over the discussion and may come up with new ideas when they think about it outside of the classroom. You can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/school-management-system-demo\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">try Skolera LMS for free<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to check all the ways it can help in your classroom. Here is an overview on the teacher&#8217;s interface of\u00a0<\/span>Skolera LMS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jw5IPxhwyYk\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Discussion-based activities develop students both academically and personally. As they learn about the material through research, exploration, and discussion, they also learn how to work in a team, encourage them to speak in public, and enhance their individual achievements.\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Check our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/\">blog<\/a> regularly to follow the latest technological advancements in education. You can also check out Skolera the <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/school-management-system\">school management system<\/a><\/span> to learn more about how it can help your educational institution.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><a class=\"maxbutton-1 maxbutton maxbutton-request-a-free-demo\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3KsFOla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class='mb-text'>Sign up for free<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Has teaching become a routine? You prepare the lesson, explain it to the students, help them solve some problems about it, then repeat. Trying out new teaching methods can energize the students and break the monotony of the classroom. While modern teaching methods can sometimes be unavailable or unaffordable, you can apply discussion-based teaching methods &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":929,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-913","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-teaching-strategies"],"modified_by":"Abdulrahman Ashraf","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/913","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=913"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/913\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3631,"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/913\/revisions\/3631"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=913"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=913"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/skolera.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=913"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}