First, read the Svinicki & McKeachie chapter 5 thoroughly and search for underlying principles for teaching thought using discussion.

First, read the Svinicki & McKeachie chapter 5 thoroughly and search for underlying principles for teaching thought using discussion.

Make a list of critical thinking components that can be utilized in a good discussion. For instance, you could say:

Discussion can explore concepts that don’t have obvious answers

Discussion can focus on relationships—between ideas, cause/effect, etc.

Discussion can focus on “best” vs. “better”—“what is the best solution?”—note that this is an example of evaluation from Bloom’s taxonomy

Discussion can examine underlying beliefs

Etc.

Add 4-5 general concepts to this list that you have drawn from the Svinicki & McKeachie chapter. Explain each of these concepts and the depth that discussion can take student exploration.

Review the techniques of discussion reviewed in Svinicki & McKeachie (starting with a controversy, starting with questions, examining cases, etc.) and explain how several of these techniques can drive thought deeper.

Project to your own teaching demonstration that you will present in Module 7: Week 7. For your particular topic, how do you think a well-developed discussion can implement HOTS related to your topic? Draw from Svinicki & McKeachie and cite appropriately.