Various Methods Of
Teaching History-
Discussion Method
Meaning & Significance
Discussion has been described as a thoughtful consideration
of the relationship involved in a topic or problem under
study. It is concerned with the analysis, comparison of the
relationship. It aims at uniting and integrating the work of
class. It encourages the students to direct their thinking
process towards the solution of a problem and to use their
experience for a further clarification and consolidation of
learning material.
Essential Elements of Discussion Method
Discussion is very important in stimulating mental activity, developing
fluency and ease of expression , clarity of ideas in thinking and training
in the presentation of one’s ideas and [Link] exchange of ideas and
opinions offers valuable training to students in reflective thinking.
1. The facilitator- Teacher
2. The group- Students
3. The Problem/ The Topic
4. The Content- body of knowledge
5. Evaluation
Merits of Discussion
• It helps in clarifying issues
• It helps students in discovering what they do not know and what they have overlooked
• It helps students in discovering what they do not know and what they have overlooked
• It engenders more reflection . It is farther from rote learning
• It represents a type of pooled knowledge, ideas, and feelings of several persons.
• It develops team spirit
• It helps the teacher in discovering talented students who have potential for becoming
good leaders
• It provides opportunities to the students to speak distinctly, stand and sit correctly,
respect ideas of others , share interests, ask pertinent questions and comprehend the
problem before the group
• It affords opportunities to the students to learn together, make suggestions, share
responsibility, comprehend the topic, evaluate the findings and to summarise the
results.
Limitations of Discussion
• It is not suitable in all topics
• It is likely to be dominated by a few students
• It is likely to go off the track
• It may lead to unpleasant feelings
• It may create emotional tensions
• It may involve unnecessary arguments
Techniques of Organising a Discussion By A
Teacher
• Introducing a topic or a problem by the teacher by giving points or explanation to serve as
the basis of discussion
• Calling upon a pupil by the teacher to give facts, describe a scene or situation, explain an
incident, event or happening for getting the discussion started.
• Preparing an outline of points co-operatively by the teacher and a few students which
may become the starting point of discussion.
• Asking the students to describe their own experience connected with the subject or the
topic or the problem
• Presenting detailed papers by the students and teachers and discussing them in the class
• Showing special papers and pictures, charts diagrams and projects and discussing them in
the class.
Role of Teacher to Direct The Group-Discussions
• Students should be well acquainted with the significance of the topic its
nature and scope and reasons why the class should discuss it.
• Discussions should be confined to important aspects.
• Students should be encouraged to participate in the discussion
• Ideas may be invited without pressure and embarrassment
• Explanations, where needed, should be provided
• Co-operation is needed than Competition
• Efforts should be made to develop team spirit.
• Doubts , mistakes and wrong interpretations should be cleared by the teacher
• Facts and points should be summarised and evaluated
• Only a few students are not allowed and shy students may be given training
for removing their hesitation.