Using Discussion in Classrooms

This text blends theory, research and practice to show educators the principal factors that are involved in classroom discussion. Each chapter describes one fundamental aspect of discussion - its nature and rationale, the topics and participants, the behaviours and language of discussion. In addition, actual transcripts illustrate and analyze various points about discussion, practical exercises suggest classroom activities and a bibliography gives ideas for further reading. Taking the view that successful discussion is within the reach of ordinary teachers and pupils in everyday classrooms at all levels of schooling, this book encourages educators to learn how to use discussion in their own practice.