In-class open peer conversations can positively support students’ learning as well as the class’s overall environment. These discussions help students fully understand more complicated topics and encourages them to consider different perspectives by actively reflecting on the idea being taught. It helps them navigate the path to having a complete comprehension of a subject, which can be especially helpful for students who don’t know where to start or are studying alone.
Methods of fostering open class discussion range from more structured Socratic seminars to free flowing, casual conversations.
These forms of student discussion have been around since the classical Greek era, when Socrates challenged students to participate in nuanced and argumentative conversation. He used what would later be called the Socratic method to guide students towards a holistic understanding of a topic by pushing them to realize an end conclusion: a method that has stood the test of time, proving how helpful it is for students.
During the 20th century, the open classroom movement promoted less traditional teaching methods such as Socratic seminars. Over the years, other forms of open discussion developed, each suited for developing different skills.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) found that open discussion helped students better learn topics, develop critical thinking skills, become comfortable creating and supporting arguments, have a willingness to listen to different perspectives, embrace nuance, and stay engaged during class.
The information students discuss would also lead to greater retention because students are actively participating in open-ended conversation rather than passively listening to a teacher talk about a topic. In The Chronicle of Higher Education, sociology professor Jay Howard found that holding class discussions forced students to comprehend a topic and share their ideas. helped develop students’ critical thinking skills. These skills are important both inside and outside the classroom to support problem solving, decision making, and evaluation as students practice giving and receiving constructive criticism.
The NIH found that students’ response to criticism, if in a positive environment, can help fuel a growth mindset. The open conversations can also build positive relationships among classmates and foster a class environment that invites students to share and discuss ideas. Not only are these behaviors beneficial for students’ learning, but they are essential to students’ success outside the classroom for future careers.
Open discussion creates a safe classroom environment that encourages deep discussion and an ongoing dialogue that keeps students curious, thoughtful and engaged. A study by Cornell’s Center for Teaching Innovation found that students would also be more motivated to prepare for class when different perspectives were considered and discussed in class. Discussions allowed and empowered students to use their voice and contribute to their learning environment, developing their communication skills and overall confidence on a topic.
Continuing to allow and push students to share their ideas promotes a positive learning environment that cultivates deeper subject comprehension. When teachers make room in their class schedules for open discussion, students develop important learning skills that will help them truly understand and respond to difficult subjects both inside the classroom and in their daily lives.