Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) -- University of Michigan
Teaching Strategies: Discussions
Discussions help students apply abstract ideas and think critically about what they learn. In fact, studies show that discussions build students problem-solving skills more effectively than do lectures. However, fostering productive discussions can be difficult for even the most experienced instructors. The articles in this section offer tips on preparing for discussions, asking questions that promote discussion, getting students to talk, and handling common problems that arise during discussions.
Teaching
by Discussion
http://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/Tools/Discuss/
Improving Discussions (By Cashin and McKnight)
http://www.idea.ksu.edu/papers/Idea_Paper_15.pdf
Answering and Asking Questions (By Cashin)
http://www.idea.ksu.edu/papers/Idea_Paper_31.pdf
Tactics for Effective Questioning
http://ctl.stanford.edu/Tomprof/postings/121.html
FAQs:
Discussions
http://www.iub.edu/~teaching/allabout/faq/leading.shtml
The Dreaded Discussion: Ten Ways to Start
http://www.carroll.edu/~msmillie/Honorscholars/TenWaysDisc.html