The Skillful Teacher

Scaffolding Discussion Participation Through
Structured Conversation
Early on in a discussion-based course, it is a good idea to introduce
students to a number of exercises designed to equalize participation
and to teach students that listening, appreciating, and synthesizing
are just as crucial to good discussion as is making brilliant original
contributions. For students unused to discussion, or for those intro-
verts who find talking in public an excruciating ordeal, an orienta-
tion or induction period is particularly appreciated. Such a period
comprises a scaffolding experience, a time when students learn a series
of protocols where the ground rules for participation are clear and the
intimidating need to come up with impromptu contributions is
removed.
Circle of Voices
The circle of voices is a protocol that students can learn on the first
day of class. Participants form into circles of about five to discuss a
topic assigned by the teacher. They are allowed a minute or so of
silent time to think about what they want to say on the topic of dis-
cussion once the circle of voices begins. After this silent period the
discussion opens with each person having a period of uninterrupted
airtime of no more than a minute. During this time each speaker can
say whatever she wishes about the topic at hand. While each person
is speaking no one else is allowed to interrupt. People take their turns
Getting Students to Participate in Discussion
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to speak by going round the circle in order, which removes from