learning thru discussion

guidelines for filling out LTD forms and engaging in productive discussions (adapted from Learning Thru Discussion)

From the cover of Wm. Fawcett Hill's Learning Thru Discussion: Guide for Leaders and Members of Discussion Groups (Sage Publications, 1977, 2nd ed.) – "Any classroom program intended to maximize learning can benefit from the techniques of this method. Utilizing this method will increase the understanding and retention of any material:
(1) by encouraging the correlation of material being discussed with what has already been learned through the previous experience of the group members, and
(2) by guiding their interaction toward the sharing of new and acquired knowledge.

LTD forms

  1. author's message - your version of a general statement of the author's message
  2. major themes - brief statement of the subject matter of each major theme (subtopic) in your own words
  3. related web resource - explanation of how/why a specific website enhanced understanding of the reading (note website name)
  4. integration of material - relate learnings in the assignment to ideas and concepts acquired in previous class meetings or other learning situations
  5. application - examine the applications and implications of the reading, i.e., the relevance to you
  6. evaluation - your reactions and evaluation of the reading, with a statement on the most "striking" part of the assignment
  7. questions for discussion - that occur to you while reading the assignment
  8. definition of terms and concepts - the dictionary is not infallible and sometimes definitions are misleading or unrewarding
  9. allocation of time - a guide for budgeting time to discuss major themes

role of the group leader

  1. initiate discussion of questions on the LTD form in the sequence for the day
  2. gatekeeping - encourage participation to be spread among all group members by calling on each group member to share her/his ideas about each question
  3. timekeeping - keep an eye on the clock so all phases of the discussion can be finished
  4. clarify, synthesize, and/or summarize the author's message and the major themes after they have been discussed by the group
  5. harmonize nonfunctional or disruptive behavior

role of group members

  1. share your understanding of the material freely
  2. be a good listener
  3. give feedback to other group members about their understandings, and ask for reactions to your understandings
  4. do not allow misinformation or misstatements to pass by
  5. encourage other group members
  6. ask questions

list of criteria for a good group (from Learning Thru Discussion, pp. 39-43)

  1. prevalence of a warm, accepting, nonthreatening group climate
  2. learning is approached as a cooperative enterprise
  3. learning is accepted as the raison d'étre (point) of the group
  4. everyone participates and interacts
  5. leadership functions are distributed
  6. group sessions and the learning task are enjoyable
  7. the material is adequately and efficiently covered
  8. evaluation is accepted as an integral part of the group operation
  9. members attend regularly and come prepared

modified January 9, 2005 / May 8, 2019