Become an effective discussion leader in college classes
Share this Post with Friends
HOW TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE DISCUSSION LEADER IN YOUR COLLEGE CLASSES
The break finally comes to an end, and the semester opens to a fresh period of learning. Whether you are the teacher or the student, you understand the value of first impressions and expectation setting. In the academe, open communication lines and dynamic information exchange are the main ingredients in a successful learning experience. So, the greatest challenge you face on the first day is how to start the ball rolling–and keeping it that way! This article provides you some simple yet creative tips that will assure you of many productive discussion sessions ahead.
Get creative!
Experts on adult learning cite the importance of remembering names on the first day. Perhaps, the mere thought of doing so makes you groan right now, as we know that most adult learners dislike having to memorize. But then again, the childlike and competitive among us always like games, don’t we? Why don’t you use ice-breaking activities, such as having students or classmates introduce themselves by using adjectives that begin with the letter of their first names (i.e., Resilient Rachelle)? Or why not try having them answer questions like “If you were a movie, what movie would you be?” That’s just to get people to warm up a bit. It is the first day of school, after all.
Be motivating
Just as writers need to be inspired in order to write at their best, students also need a stimulating classroom environment to help them perform well in discussions. If a member of the class feels as if he or she is being put on the Hot Seat everytime you ask him or her a question, then that will make other members of the class very reluctant to speak out. Be an encourager; foster an environment that allows the class to think and speak freely without fear of retaliation.
Establish a relationship with the class. Like in any organization, the success of the class comes from knowing that the element of trust is present. Trust may be manifested at 3 different levels: trust in their character, trust in their competencies, and trust in communication.
Exchange roles and practice empathy
Perhaps, the only aspect of the organizational structure from which the classroom is unique is the flexibility of roles and the freedom to exchange these roles. In an office, you cannot go to work one day and say, “I think I’m going to be the boss today.” (Although I’m quite sure that some of us would want to have our bosses take instructions from us from time to time). In contrast, the classroom allows the teacher and the student to switch places whenever it is appropriate. In fact, this role play is not only allowed but encouraged for many good reasons: to facilitate the exchange of ideas, to limit the monopoly of talk-time, and sometimes, to allow the teacher some rest and relaxation.
Put these tips to use, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to keep the ball rolling after all. You and your class will not be disappointed.
