SESSION 9: DISCUSSIONS

QUIZ

“DISCUSSIONS ARE THE MOST FREQUENTLY USED ACTIVITY IN THE T1L1 PROGRAM. THEY ARE USED TO DEBRIEF ACTIVITIES, DRIVE HOME MAIN POINTS AND CONNECT YOU AND YOUR TEAM TO YOUR STUDENTS.”

DISCUSSIONS – PART 1

Two different types of discussions are found in each T1L1 session:

  1. LARGE GROUP

    These are used to debrief a number of activities or introduce a new concept in the T1L1 Program. They involve the entire class. Therefore, student participation is very important.

  2. SMALL GROUP

    These are used to help you connect with your students on a deeper level. This is one of the most important aspects of every T1L1 session, so make sure to allot enough time each session for them. Try to keep the students in each small group consistent throughout the semester to build trust between students and the mentor.

TIPS FOR LEADING DISCUSSIONS

Leading discussion is an art. The more you and your team engage the students in discussion, the better you will become and the better you will connect with your students. Follow these tips to help you effectively lead discussions:

  • Remember: it’s a discussion, not a lecture (don’t forget the 80/20 Rule).
  • Don’t be afraid of silence. Give students time to think through and answer your questions. Practice how to be quiet after asking a question and wait as long as it takes until a student answers.
  • Focus on the students, not yourself. Don’t use these discussions as a personal soapbox or a chance to interrupt with detailed personal experiences.

DISCUSSIONS – PART 2

The more you and your team engage the students in discussion, the better you will become and the better you will connect with your students. Follow these tips to help you effectively lead discussions:

  • Make eye contact with your students when speaking to them.
  • Gently call on students by name if the discussion begins to fall flat and no one is participating.
  • Use candy.
  • Play devil’s advocate to help students discover another perspective of a situation.
  • Push students to go into further detail and justify their answers.
  • Become familiar with current events and tie them to the discussion.
  • Encourage students to help them realize their opinions are valid and appreciated.
  • Don’t be offended if students disagree with a universal principle, use that to delve into a deeper discussion.
  • Always think before you respond. Though they may not show it, your students are listening to everything you say.
  • Make use of all mentors in group discussions for variety of perspectives.
  • Use the questions in the T1L1 curriculum as a guide, not a to-do list. You shouldn’t feel pressure to get through all the questions every week.
  • Memorize the questions to help keep the conversation moving.
  • Create your own questions to suit your style as you continue to engage your students.