How to Facilitate Group Discussion Effectively

SITI NUR SYAHIRAH BT MOHD TOREK
TESL 1

Starting

Preparing

Evaluating

Encouraging

Making sure that everyone understand clearly elements in group discussion

Clearly state the objective of the discussion

Help students prepare

Have a clear goal/objective by planning

No distraction

Know who is talking, use their name when responding

Refer to the questions distributed as a guide

Use a partner activity

Make a list of important points

Encourage students to contribute ideas by using brainstorming activity

Divide students into small group to discuss an issue

Pose a controversial issue and organize an informal debate

Allow students to ask question anonymously

Facilitate small discussion before sharing with entire class

Provide inclusive environment for discussion by knowing one another

Use many kind of resources

Use a "token system"

Limit teacher's involvement

Balance students' voice during discussion

Guiding

Be alert for signs that the discussion is deteriorating

Repeat the key point of all comments

Jot down key points

Help students to calm down

Have a clear agenda ans issues listed

Know not all students are comfortable with extended direct eye contact.

Ask students to respond to specific questions about the discussion

Conduct informal evaluation of the discussion

Ask students to write a one-minute paper

SITI NUR SYAHIRAH BT MOHD TOREK
TESL 1