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The discussion-based approach to improving literary understanding
Unit Two-The discussion-based approaches to improving literary understanding
 What is Good discussion-based approach?
Planning meaningful and helpful responses is important in addressing the communicative goals of a standards-based curriculum. Developing learners' interactional competence is important so that they are able to manage discussions in relevant ways (Judith L. Shrum & Eileen W. Glisan, 2005).
Good discussion can be effective tool for teaching and learning. However, good discussions seldom happen by accident. In order to understand what discussion-based approach is good and how to apply it, we must have basic ideas about the functions, the principles and the strategies for effective discussion. Then we still could effectively apply the discussion-based approach in our class.
 The functions of the discussion-based approach
1. It can increase the interactions among students.
2. It can create an environment that students learn actively and urge students to have enthusiastic learning attitudes.
3. It can enhance students' learning motives and urge students on higher participation at learning level.
4. It can help students to increase the depth of understanding, master the curriculum content and enhance the scope and graduation of learning.
5. It can develop students' social skills and solving-problems skills.
6. It can enhance students' self-esteem and the abilities of cooperation.
The principles of using discussion-based approaches:
1. Give students clear and definite roles of the assignments and discussion topics.
2. Make sure that students have enough backgrounds to assessing effective discussion. Discussion activities should follow the progress of the curriculum content and build on the previous topic that had been developing.
3. Limit time for discussion. The time should not be too long and the instructor should tell students how long the discussion will spend at the beginning of the class. If time is up, students still interested in the topic and do not digress the topic. In that case, the teacher should permit students discuss continuously.
4. Move around in the classroom to monitor the whole discussion activity for ensuring that the discussion of every group can touch the topic.
5. Give students timely and appropriate guidance if you find them have problems and difficulties in the process of the discussion.
Please click the link to read the article. The article will provide you some strategies that can help you prepare for and lead an effective discussion.
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