Brief description of Discussion method and how to adopt it in the teaching of Environmental Education

1. DISCUSSION
As aTechnique for teaching Environmental Education
Dr. BahunlangTron
CTE (PGT), Shillong

2. Concept of Discussion as aTeachingTechnique
• In a classroom environment, discussion is the
best way of promoting learning and convenient
teaching situation.
• It refers to the method of instruction in which
pupils are given an opportunity to express their
views or opinions orally on certain issues.
• It is a method in which one student/ pupil speaks
at a time, while others are listening.

3. • A discussion does not always involve the
presentation of new information and concepts.
• Rather, it involves sharing of ideas and
experiences, solving problems and promoting
tolerance with understanding.
• Participants present multiple points of view,
respond to the ideas of others, and reflect on
their own ideas in an effort to build their
knowledge, understanding, or interpretation of
the matter at hand.

4. • Discussion as a method of teaching is neither an informal
group chatting nor a clique dominated pseudo discussion
dominated by few group members.
• Discussions may occur among members of a dyad, small
group, or whole class and be teacher-led or student-led.
• They frequently involve discussion of a written text,
though discussion can also focus on a problem, issue, or
topic that has its basis in a “text” in the larger sense of
the term (e.g., environmental problems and issues,
environmental conservation, recent advances in
environmental education, etc.)
• A significant feature of a discussion is that students can
have or show considerable intervention in the
construction of knowledge, understanding, or
interpretation.
• In other words, they have considerable “interpretive
authority” for evaluating the credibility or validity of
participants’ responses.

5. • Discussion method is suitable in many situations and
can be used in many situations of teaching and
learning.
• In the classroom discussions involve a free verbal
interchange of ideas for all pupils as a whole.
• Here the teacher is the leader who guides the
discussion.
• By conducting discussion, teacher may ask questions
and decides on who should speak.
• This method can be suitably used even in the lower
levels of education.

6. Essential components of a Discussion
• A small group: Small group discussions are better than a whole class
discussion. It encourages more pupils to give their own views through
open participation. Pupils are divided into small groups of four, five, six,
seven, eight or nine and given questions or task to discuss and then report
back.
• Each group should have a group leader who is instructed to control the
discussion process and someone who can report whatever has been
discussed.
• Identification of a topic or topics for discussion
• Seating arrangement: The group setting arrangements should be in such a
way that pupil are relaxed and can hear, see each other well.
• Introduction, exchange and evaluation of information and ideas.
• Direction towards some goal or objective
• Verbal interaction

7. General guidelines to a good Discussion
Adopting discussion as a method of teaching EE
firstly should involve proper planning where the
teacher should have a clear understanding of the
subject topic, content and objectives of the lesson to
be discussed, size of the groups, day and duration,
etc.
Clear instructions should be given to the students
regarding the rules, requirements and procedure of
holding discussions.
Teachers should stimulate students’ interests and
motivate them to actively prepare and take part in
the discussions.

8. At appropriate points in the session, summarize the
major ideas and write them on the board. If you do not
do this, students will have a hard time picking out the
most important ideas from the discussion and
understanding their significance.Writing on the board is
particularly helpful for students who are visual learners.
Use verbal and non-verbal cues to encourage
participation. Make eye contact and move around the
room to engage the attention of all the students in the
different groups and to communicate that you expect
each of them to participate.
Towards the end, thank students for their contributions.
Point out what is valuable about your students’
arguments, whether or not you agree with them.
Develop helpful responses to incorrect answers or
comments that are not sufficiently related to the issue
currently being discussed.

9. Precautions
• The teacher should discourage domination of the
discussion by the outspoken members in a group.
• Actively seek contributions from as many students as
possible in a given session; if a few students want to
speak all the time, remind them that you value their
contributions but would like to hear from others as well.
• Deviation from the topic of discussion should also be
checked.
• Any personal attack on the students or private
discussion should not be encouraged.

10. Advantages
• Emphasis on Learning instead of Teaching -
Discussion Method emphasises pupil-activity in the
form of verbal communication, rather than simply
telling and lecturing by the teacher. Thus, this method
is more effective.
• Participation by Everybody - In this method,
everybody participates in the discussion, and therefore
thinks and expresses himself. This is a sure way of
learning. It is child centred through provides an
opportunity for pupils to learn from each other, thus
encouraging teamwork.

11. • Develop communication and leadership skills
It teaches interpersonal skills such as understanding and
communication. It also helps leadership, speaking and
listening skills.
• Development of Democratic way ofThinking.
Everybody cooperates in the discussion, and the ideas and
opinions of everybody are respected. Thus, there is a
development of democratic way of thinking and arriving at
decision. It promotes tolerance and helps pupils to
understand that they are many aspects or opinions to any
one topic.
• Training in ReflectiveThinking.
Students, during the course of discussion, get training in
reflective thinking, which leads to deeper understanding of
the historical problem under discussion.

12. • Training in Self-expression- During discussion,
everybody is required to express his ideas and opinions in
a clear and concise manner. This provides ample
opportunities to the students for training in self-
expression.
• Spirit of Tolerance is inculcated - The students learn to
discuss and differ with other members of the group. They
learn to tolerate the views of others even if they are
unpleasant and contradictory to each other’s' views. Thus,
respect for the view-points of others is developed.
• Learning is made Interesting - Learning of EE can made
interesting through Discussion Method. More effective
learning is possible when the students discuss, criticise
and share ideas on a particular problem. Active
participation by the students in the discussion makes
learning interesting for the students. This also ensures
better and effective learning.

13. Limitations
• All types of topics cannot be taught by Discussion
Method.
• This method cannot be used for teaching very small
children.
• It is time consuming.
• The students may not follow the rules of discussion.
• Some students may not take part while others may try to
dominate.
• Some pupils may not be interested to listen to others and
easily get out of hand and lose direction.
• The teacher may not be able to guide and provide true
leadership in the discussion.

14. Thank You
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