Each Flipped Learning Module (FLM) is a set of short videos and online activities that can be used (in whole or in part) to free up class time from content delivery for greater student interaction. At the end of the module, students are asked to fill out a brief survey, in which we adopt the minute paper strategy. In this approach, students are asked to submit their response to two brief questions regarding their knowledge of the module.
In this FLM, students are asked to watch four videos, covering the topics of preparing a discussion, formulating discussion questions, and leading a discussion.
Key Terms
discussion, public speaking, audience, comprehension, critical thinking, textual evidence
Module Overview
- Preparing a Discussion
- Planning in Advance
- Studying the Materials
- Assigning Roles
- Formulating Discussion Questions
- Comprehension Questions
- Critical Thinking Questions
- Using a Variety of Questions
- Tips for Designing Discussion Questions
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoiding Pitfalls
- Examples of Effective Questions
- Leading a Discussion
- Starting a Discussion
- Guidelines for Facilitating a Discussion
Download Video Transcripts
Video 1: Preparing for a Discussion
Video 2: Formulating Discussion Questions
Types of Critical Thinking Questions
Video 3: Tips for Designing Discussion Questions
Facilitating Discussions Online Activity 1
Note for the instructor: Feel free to substitute the text in this activity with a reading from your own course.
First, please read the attached article by Mullaney, titled “The Shift Online Has Finally Made Space for Disabled Students.” Next, write a few strong discussion questions that we could use to review, analyze, and critically reflect on Mullaney’s article in our class. In formulating your questions, please follow the guidelines discussed in Video 2 of this FLM and outlined in the handout “Types of Critical Thinking Questions.” Develop at least three main discussion questions that are a mix of comprehension questions and critical thinking questions. For EACH of the main questions, please also create 2-3 follow-up questions that expand on your original questions.
Download Mullaney Article
Video 4: Leading a Discussion
Facilitating Discussions Online Activity 2
For this last activity, please watch a short video of a small group discussion.
As you watch the video, focus on the discussion leader and try to figure out what went wrong.
- First, why do you think the discussion wasn’t very engaging? Identify mistakes made by the leader or missed opportunities that he could have taken to make the discussion more engaging.
- Next, explain what the discussion leader could have done better. In other words, what specific strategies from this module could he apply in the future to ensure a more engaging and meaningful discussion (in terms of preparing for the discussion, formulating good questions, and leading a discussion)?
Facilitating Discussions Additional Resources
