The Skillful Teacher

When to Use Discussion
Discussion is not suitable for all pedagogic ends. If you wish to intro-
duce students to a highly detailed body of new knowledge, or to
teach them complex instrumental skills, there are much better ways
to accomplish these things than through a discussion. Neither is ini-
tiating students into a predefined body of truths, facts, or ideas a
good use of discussion. The reasons to use discussion can be grouped
into three categories—intellectual, emotional, and sociopolitical.
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