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Purposes of small group discussions

Purposes of small group discussions. Research findings: ‘Breaking the mould?’. An early study of AS Science for Public Understanding. Key findings: Missed opportunities for exploring ideas about science Many lessons seen to be teacher-led

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Purposes of small group discussions

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  1. Purposes of small group discussions

  2. Research findings: ‘Breaking the mould?’ An early study of AS Science for Public Understanding. Key findings: • Missed opportunities for exploring ideas about science • Many lessons seen to be teacher-led • Few examples of discussion between students observed.

  3. Research findings: ‘Valuable lessons’ A study by Ralph Levinson of the discussion of issues related to biosciences: • Humanities teachers comfortable with discussion – but not too concerned about the accuracy of the science. • Science teachers very concerned to get across the science – and uneasy about discussion.

  4. Discussion in small groups –Making a start • Establish the ground rules • Choose a topic that students can relate to • Provide a structure (with clear roles where appropriate) • Define the outcomes • Set a (short) time limit • Minimal teacher interventions: procedural, not judgemental

  5. Some established discussion techniques • Snowballs • Discuss topic in pairs, then fours, then eights – working towards consensus • Jigsaws • Individuals work as ‘experts’ on a section of a topic and then re-group. Needs advanced planning but does ensure participation of all. • Rainbow groups • Students each given a different colour, say in a group of 4; they discuss in groups of same colour, then original groups reassemble.

  6. Purpose 1: language • Developing the language needed to analyse and develop arguments • e.g module B1 You and your genes Activity AB1.22 Gene therapy in the news

  7. Purpose 2: clarifying knowledge and understanding • Discussing true/false statements • e.g module P2 Radiation & life Activity AP2.29 Global warming challenge

  8. Purpose 3: data & explanations • Discussing possible evidence for claims • e.g module P1 Earth in the Universe Activity AP1.23 What killed off the dinosaurs (based on a video) or • GCSE Science F tier textbook, questions about continental drift on page 62 (refer to pages 60-63) • Making sense of evidence • e.g module B3 Life on Earth Activity AB3.7 Life on Mars

  9. Purpose 4: exploring issues • Issues with an ethical dimension • e.g module B1 You and your genes Activity AB1.21 Embryo selection: what should be allowed? • Issues with a technical and economic dimension • e.g module C2 Material choices • Activity C2.16 Can it be done? Should it be done? • Gaining insight into other viewpoints

  10. Purpose 5: making decisions • Developing policy arguments based on information and evidence • e.g module B2 Keeping healthy Activity AB2.11 Is it worth it? • See module P3 Radioactive materials Activity AP3.28 What was said?

  11. Student dispositions • Understand, appreciate or be moved by range of opinions other than one’s own • Accept criticism • Reasonableness • Responsiveness • Respect for the members of the group • Freedom to offer sincerely-held opinions

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