How do you stimulate discussion?

There is no fool-proof way to get a discussion going. The risk of students staring silently at their feet or giving one-word answers persists. Students are more likely to contribute when they are confident, relaxed and when the subject is interesting and connects with their own lives and experiences.

These are a few general pointers on holding classroom discussions. But remember that all groups are different and what works with one may flop with another. It is an art not a science.

• Praise contributions and be positive. Don't always be quick to encourage counter arguments, especially in response to an unconfident student. It can often be better to invite students themselves to see where their limits are.
• Keep positions flexible. Debate and discussion are good ways of finding out what you really think, and early thoughts can often be revised. This is good. It helps students accept that people have different points of view, for valid reasons, and that their own ideas might change.
• Circumstances often alter cases. Be prepared with "what if?" details that can provoke a change in thinking. Would you stop and help a stranger? What if... helping meant you would miss your last bus and face a five mile walk home? The materials will often suggest some of these variations.
• Try to encourage talk from young people's own personal experience.
• The layout of the room can be important. It is hard for students to interact meaningfully if they cannot see each other's faces.
• Have formal ground rules if you find them useful, but in any case try to make sure students listen to each other with respect, try not to interrupt and avoid ridicule and name-calling.
• Don't worry if students are very quiet some of the time. The materials are designed to make people think, not just talk. And thinking can be a quiet activity. Come back to it later.

Do you have tips and ideas you'd like to pass on to other teachers to help them get the most out of news think? Email us at reducation@redcross.org.uk