University of Education Lahore

Department of English

Course Title: General Methods of Teaching

Programme: BS English

Course Code: EDUC1112

Instructor Name: Asya Mushtaq

 Unit # 3
Method of Teaching
Discussion Method of Teaching
Objectives…

• At the end of this topic the student will be able to

• Define discussion method
• Describe characteristics of discussion methods
• Discuss types of discussion method
• Identify appropriate use of discussion method
• Discuss advantages and disadvantages of discussion method
• Describe planning for conducting discussion method
 INTRODUCION

• The word ‘discuss’ has been derived

from the Latin root ‘discutere’, which
means to shake or strike.
• A discussion is an activity of sitting
and talking about a specific subject.
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• A discussion method is the means by

which people share experiences, ideas
and attitudes.
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The discussion method of teaching is a process

in which a small group assembles to
communicate with each other, using speaking
listening and nonverbal processes in order to
achieve instructional objectives.
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• Discussion Method, also called the

Socratic Method after the Ancient
Greek philosopher Socrates, who
would engage his students with
questions and dialogue. Because the
class is small, the tutor is able to
determine each student’s progress,
and students have ample occasion to
make their difficulties known. There is
a true meeting of the minds.
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• A defining feature of discussion is that

students have considerable activity in
the construction of knowledge,
understanding, or interpretation.
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• Discussion require interaction

between students and teachers.
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• Discussion involves two-way communication

• between participants. In the classroom situation a
teacher and students all participate in discussion.
• During discussion, the teacher spends some time
• listening while the students spend sometime
• talking.
Meaning of Discussion Method

• Discussion method of teaching is a group

activity involving the teacher and the student
to define the problem and seek its solution.
• .Discussion method is also described as a
constructive process involving listening
,thinking ,as well as the speaking ability of the
student.
• Usually, during classroom discussions, the
instructor will first lecture for a certain
amount of time. After the lecture ends, the
instructor asks students questions requiring
them to answer with concrete examples and
reflect on their understanding of the topic.
Planning for discussion

There are essential planning elements in

discussion. They are briefly stated:
• Choosing the discussion topic
• Phrasing the discussion question
• Outlining the topic
• Planning discussion strategy, the
beginning phase
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• Planning the discussion strategy, the

middle phase
• Planning the discussion strategy , the
end Phase.
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Choosing the discussion topic

Ideally the teacher should not select the
topic . It is left for the group to select
the topic.
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Phrasing the discussion questions:

• Once the topic is selected than the
questions be carefully phrased t the
group.
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• Outling the topic:

Once an acceptable question is phrased,
then the teacher should start writing
the aspect of the question which he
feels are important.
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Planning discussion strategy( the

beginning phase):
At this stage the teacher should
determine what type of discussion, he
will intend to launch.
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• Planning discussion strategy( the

middle phase)
To plan the middle phase of discussion,
it is best to prepare a set of central
questions which the teacher believes
need to answered.
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• Planning discussion strategy( the end

phase)
The end phase has three important
parts, drawing conclusion,
recapitulation and launching new
activities.
 Types of Discussion

Types of discussion are

• The symposium
• The panel discussion
• Informal group discussion
• Formal group discussion
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The symposium
In this type of discussion, three or more
persons present their views on a several
sided question or topic.
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Group discussion are organized in two forms

• Formal group discussion
• Informal group discussion
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Formal group discussion

• In formal group discussion there is a
discussion leader and there are
several recourse members who
represent special skills and specialized
knowledge
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Informal group discussion

Here the student is the leader of the
discussion activities. With the help of
this students can develop leadership
qualities among them.
Advantages of Discussion Method

The following are the merits of

discussion method.
• Assimilates and integrate information
• Connects new with old knowledge
• Stimulates thinking
• Develop rational thinking
• Reveals students attitude
• Helps in evaluating problems
• Increase interest
• Develop understanding in students
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• Demonstration independence
• Facilitate achievement in objectives
• Develop critics
• Develop the feelings of group work
• Promote cooperation
• Develop creativity
• Develop tolerance
• Achieves higher order objectives
Limitations…

• Deviation from topic

• Only few students participate
• Students become opponents
• Involves more criticism
• Time consuming
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• Group-discussion cannot be used as a teaching strategy but it can be used as a

supplement technique after lecture and demonstration method of teaching.
 Suggestions…

• Every students should be provided an

opportunity to participate in the
discussion
• Students should be encouraged and
motivated to participate in the
discussion
• Irrelevant criticism should not be
encouraged
 Suggested Links

• https://www.slideshare.net/akshayarnair/discussion-method-of-teaching?from_action=save
• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00405848009542881?journalCode=htip20
• https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/resources/teaching-techniques-and-methods/discussion-methods
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301290144_Discussion_methods
• https://www.trainyoucan.co.za/what-are-the-advantages-of-discussion-method-of-teaching/
• https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1182&context=podimproveacad
• https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1182&context=podimproveacad