Discussion groups are a lifesaver as long as you prepare your class with specific parameters. They are helpful when the class is not understanding a text or able to follow the characters and their actions. Follow these simple rules to create discussion groups that are beneficial to learning.
Teacher Choice in Members
The teacher must choose the members of the group to make sure that you have a gatekeeper, who is a facilitator, a secretary, who keeps track of the groups interactions, and a mediator, who helps the conversations stay on track. These elements are key to your discussion groups working in the classroom
Pre-made Worksheet
The teacher must prepare a worksheet on the content of the book for the group to discuss. This helps students track characters, events, plotlines, and the climax of the story. It gives the gatekeeper a guide for asking questions and getting all the members to participate.
Exit Ticket
The exit ticket is a way for the teacher to gauge whether the members of the group are all participating. The ticket can range from questions about the text, to members sharing what their contribution to the discussion was.
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