Evaluating and practising discussion skills

English

Working together: productive discussions and active listening skills

Moving discussions forward by responding and asking questions

Using evidence to elevate discussions

In 'The fundamentals of discussion' pupils are encouraged to be confident speakers and active listeners, developing their ideas with evidence and posing questions. In 'Participating in effective debates' these skills are developed through the formal structure of debate.

In 'Talking transitions', pupils learn the basics of speaking with others in formal and informal settings. In 'The fundamentals of effective discussions' pupils develop these skills learning how to articulate and discuss complex ideas.

In this unit, pupils solidify and build thier spoken language skills. They start by learning what an effective discussion is and how they can use listening skills effectively. They then look at how questions and evidence can improve discussions before practising have conversations.

The fundamentals of effective discussion

What should you consider doing before starting a discussion?

Which of the following is **not** a key skill needed for effective discussions?

to examine closely and make a judgement about effectiveness

Which definition best describes the word 'evaluate'?

to show engagement and create a supportive environment

What is the purpose of using positive body language during discussions?

What does WWW stand for when self-assessing a discussion?

Which word beginning with 's' can be described as meaning 'clearly defined, precise or exact'?

Which of these are key spoken language skills needed for a productive discussion?

Which of these describe good ways to demonstrate active listening?

Which of these words is an antonym for the word 'respectful'? 

Which word means 'to examine something closely and make a judgement about its effectiveness'?

information or quotes from a text used to support a claim or argument

based on personal stories or experiences rather than on facts 

based on guesses or ideas rather than solid evidence or facts

Match the type of evidence that can be used to develop discussions to the correct description.

Which definition best describes the word 'tentative'?

Evaluating and practising discussion skills

Lesson outcome