main hall base
Center for Teaching Excellence
Dr. Johnny W. Lott, director
32 Campus Drive
251 Corbin Hall
Phone:(406) 243-5943
Fax:(406) 243-5952

Teaching Tips

Stimulating Classroom Discussion

Bach's Ideas for Stimulating Classroom Discussion

  1. When asking questions, wait enough time for student response (count to at least 10 very slowly). If they are having trouble, have them WRITE the answer first, and then discuss it.
  2. When making transitions from one class to another, ask, "What is the difference between what we learned in yesterday's lesson and what you came across preparing for today?"
  3. Always provide an overview of what will be done that day, explain how it is relevant to the topic at hand, and provide a summary, closure and preview the next day.
  4. Ask, "How does this information relate to what we've already covered," or "How is this information relevant to you as a communicator (or as an organizational member?"
  5. Ask, "What have you learned," or "How does this relate to what we've already done?"
  6. When doing mid-quarter evaluations, ask students to evaluate their own behavior in terms of their commitment to the class (e.g., how would you assess yourself at this point?) as evidenced by their involvement in class (or small group) discussion.
  7. For specific suggestions, read the Frederick article. He comes up with 10 wonderful ideas.

References:
Frederick, P. (1981). The dreaded discussion: Ten ways to start. Improving College and University Teaching, 29, 109-114.