Let’s talk, for real.
Heya, Reader
Have you ever tried to have a “group discussion” and it just ended up being you and the most talkative kid in class?
Me too.
Here are three group discussion configurations that will actually get introverts and extroverts talking.
Snowball
This is sort of like “Think-Pair-Share” but with an extra step. Students mull over a discussion question alone, then share with a partner. That pair joins another pair to discuss. That quad joins another quad to discuss, etc., until you have a class discussion.
Jigsaw
Groups of 4-5 students work together on a discussion topic. Then, one member from each group joins one member from every other group to create new configurations. This is an excellent strategy if you have different topics in the first round of discussion (ex: Plot, Characters, Conflict, Theme, Setting) – then, your groups would have one “expert” from each original topic.
Silent Discussion
You can use paper or Google docs for this. Students are able to write simultaneously or take turns and share their thoughts on a discussion question. I love this strategy as a way to get quieter students engaged, especially English Language Learners who may struggle with “getting a word in edge-wise.”
If you’re looking for more discussion configurations, Jennifer at Cult of Pedagogy has an epic list of strategies.
Happy teaching!
-Danielle
P.S. Did you see the persuasive activity I posted last week? Hope you loooove it!
Danielle Hall
I make inclusive classroom resources and book recommendations for Secondary ELA.
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