Using Discussion for Critical Thinking
The most common way to foster active learning is through discussion (Svinicki & McKeachie, 2014, p.38). Mayer (2008) de/nes active learning as “paying attention to relevant information, organizing it into coherent mental representations, and integrating representations with other knowledge” (p.17). Active learning activities help to promote higher order thinking skills (HOTS) such as application of knowledge, analysis, and synthesis. Through active learning activities students will learn how to integrate, apply, and think for themselves (Svinicki & McKeachie, 2014, p.38). Active learning exercises can last anywhere from a few minutes to an entire class period, or they can span numerous class periods.Active learning activities can be used to:a. Get students attention and increase motivationb. Assess students prior to knowledgec. Assess whether the students understood the assignedmaterialsd. Promote problem solving and application separate from theinstructorCompared to passive methods like lectures, active learning approaches lay more responsibility on the learner, although in an active learning setting, instructor direction is still essential. It is the instructor’s job to help students prepare, maintaining student participation, facilitating discussion, and listening and supporting the students and their ideas (Svinicki & McKeachie, 2014, p.39). Techniques of Discussion There are multiple teaching strategies that an instructor can use to promote student engagement and learning. Amongst these teaching strategies is discussions. Discussions are useful for engaging students and encouraging them to think more intensely about a particular issue or concept (Svinicki & McKeachie, 2014). When preparing for a class discussion an instructor can utilize
several di>erent approaches. These approaches can be used solo or in collaboration with one another. Svinicki & McKeachie 2014 outlined several types of discussion techniques in chapter 5 including:A. The use of common experience. According to Svinicki &McKeachie 2014, one of the best to start a discussion is byreferring to a common experience. This can be done through/lm, role play, short skirt, or brief reading (p. 41).B. Identifying controversy. While this method can stimulatediscussion and student participation, it has its risk includingstudents losing trust in the instructor (Svinicki & McKeachie,2014, p.42).C. Identifying a problem. Discussions can arise from a case or ahypothetical problem. Regardless of where the problemoriginates from, it must be meaningful to the students. Thisapproach allows the students to come up with their ownsolutions rather than depending on the instructor (Svinicki &McKeachie, 2014, p.44).D. Asking a question. This is considered to be the most commondiscussion opener and depending on the questions asked thetime given to thoroughly process these questions, greatfeedback and engagement can be received (Svinicki &McKeachie, 2014, p.42) (factual, application andinterpretation, connection and casual e>ective, andcomparative).Here is a list of critical thinking components that can be utilized in a good discussion:a. Discussions are useful for engaging students in thematerial and encouraging them to think more deeplyabout an issue or concept.b. Discussions allow the professor/ instructor to assess thestudents understanding and performance.c. Discussions allow students the opportunity to articulatewhat they’ve learned during class.d. Discussions give students the opportunity tocollaborate with one another, providing one anotherwith insightful commentary and feedback (Discussionboards).
When considering discussions, we must take into account student led discussion groups, which is when students discuss materials, or a speci/c topic separate from the professor’s input. Students tend to be more engaged in discussions when they are not confronted by the presence of an expert; instructor/ professor (Svinicki & McKeachie 2014). Implementing HOTS to TopicWhen considering the techniques outlined in chapter /ve and keeping in mind my projects learning outcome, I will begin the discussion with aseries of questions. Questions will be both thought provoking and openended, giving students the opportunity for deep reDection. Open endedquestions are questions that cannot be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response, which means students will have to put e>ort and thought into answering the asked questions (www.rightquestion.org)Because these questions are intended to be thought stimulating, students will be given an adequate amount of time to think thoroughly about the questions that have been asked prior to answering (Svinicki & McKeachie, 2014, p.42). During this time the instructor will encourage students to write down any thoughts that come to mind. This method will give each student the opportunity to participate, as they will now be aware of what it is they can contribute the discussion when it becomes (Svinicki & McKeachie, 2014, p. 43). Question #1: What do you know about trauma and its e>ects on a person’s well-being? Question #2: What do you know about TF-CBT? ReferenceMcKeachie, W., & Svinicki, M. (2013). McKeachie’s Teaching Tips (14th Edition). Cengage Learning US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781285499802Mayer, R. (2008). Learning and Instruction (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill prentice Hall
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
