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Page last updated on:
April 15, 2011 |
Discussions offer students a chance to express opinions and exchange
information safely within the classroom. Talking about sexuality with
students can be challenging because it is a subject that touches on our
privacy and our vulnerability.
ADVANTAGES OF CLASSROOM DISCUSSION
-
Helps build a positive classroom
climate.
-
Leads to student interest in sexual
health.
-
Results in students feeling more
positive about themselves and the learning environment.
PROCEDURE
1. Set up an
atmosphere ensuring sensitivity during the activity.
-
Ensure
ground rules that ensure respectful interactions during discussions
are in place.
-
Introduce a topic for discussion that
centers on material familiar to the students. Defining terms is an
important first step.
2.
Hold the discussion.
-
Encourage students to participate in the
discussion by asking questions, making suggestions and expressing ideas.
-
Probe, prompt and redirect students to
enhance the discussion.
3.
Conclude the discussion.
-
Find consensus, a solution,
clarification of insights gained, or a summary (preferably one provided by
the students).
TIPS
-
Introduce facts and refute inaccuracies
and myths.
-
Be consistent with conventions such as
hand raising and listening to the speaker. Some teachers find it helpful
to use an object such as a talking stick.
-
Maintain students' integrity. Do not
pressure students by implying they should know more than they already do. Respect what they do know, and expand upon that knowledge.
-
Use "wait time", the pause between
asking a question and soliciting a response, to increase participation and
improve the quality of student responses.
-
Use open-ended questions to encourage
higher level thinking.
-
Remain conscious of your own values and
reactions during the discussion. The teacher must model sensitivity and
respect.
REFERENCES:
1. Let's Talk About Sex, But How? Health Canada
2. Instructional Approaches: A
Framework for Professional Practice. Regina, SK; Saskatchewan Education.
3. Sexuality: An Education
Resource Book.
Judith Campbell, Jill Golick; Globe Modern Curriculum Press, 1988. |
