How To Lead Amazing Small Group Discussions

Create a Safe Environment

A safe environment is one where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts without fear of being ignored, marginalized, or worse, ridiculed. Here are some thoughts on how you go about doing this:

• Be aware of your nonverbal (i.e., nodding, smiling, eye contact) feedback to those contributing to the discussion.
• Stay in-tune with students’ nonverbal feedback, as well.
• Don’t let one student dominate the discussion.
• If you notice others snickering at a comment just shared, you have to address it. (You can gently do this during the group or afterward.)
• Even if you don’t agree with students’ comments or perspectives, don’t tune them out or disregard their input.
• Listen to students until they’ve finished talking, and then repeat back what you’ve heard them say. This behavior does not express agreement with what they’ve shared as much as it says to them that you value their efforts and heard what they had to say.
• And, at risk of this being obvious, never embarrass a student.

Be Flexible

You have your lesson plan and your students have their Student Books. However, the dynamics and needs of the group may go in a direction you hadn’t predicted. It’s best to strike the balance of being willing to go “off course,” and yet capable of bringing the discussion back to the lesson. Don’t be afraid of this! Oftentimes, these are the best groups!

Offer Various Mediums For Discussion

Group discussions do not have to always be people sitting in a circle, talking. A great group discussion could take place while playing a game of basketball or just walking around a park. Don’t feel confined to sitting in a room! Oftentimes, discussions in these more natural settings lead to members feeling more at ease anyhow.