Discussion in a Democratic Society

Discussion is something I have known about and participated in since middle school. Coming together as a class to discuss a topic has helped me see ideas from new perspectives and has challenged my thinking on many different topics. This chapter opened my eyes to what it takes to make discussion a rewarding and essential tool to use in the classroom. One of the many things I liked about this chapter was the emphasis on how it is essential to enter discussion with an open mind. I have experienced times where my classmates would shut down when conflicting points of view came forth in a class discussion. Their stubbornness to see things outside their perspective set back the learning and the point of the whole activity. To learn through discussion one must be able to empathize and see topics from multiple points of view even if it is conflicting with your own point of view. The sections of the text on hospitality and mindfulness has taught me new ways to help my classroom prepare for a good discussion. Explaining that one must be hospitable when participating a discussion is important so that students can help empower their peers. Teaching students to be open to learning about viewpoints that contrast their own in an appropriate way is a skill that they will use throughout their lives.

Another section of the text that I found incredibly useful was the section on appreciation. I agree that in discussion many times people are not appreciated for sharing their viewpoint and thoughts. Appreciation is something that I have struggled during my journey to become an educator. I have read many articles about effective praise in the classroom but often struggle to find the most concise words to give appreciation to students. Appreciation should be used when participating a discussion but like the text says it is important to not oversaturate expressions of appreciation. Finding the middle ground for praise and appreciation is something I struggle with but know that it is essential for education.  As I continue to grow as I know that effective appreciation is something I will work on and continue to develop.

Overall, this chapter was helpful in teaching me the components of an effective discussion and why the components are important. Discussion is an incredibly useful tool to use in the classroom when used effectively. After reading this article I know that it will be a lot of work to develop the skills needed to have an effective discussion in my classroom but the end result will be worth it.