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ADULT MINISTRY
Leading a Good Discussion
by Dan Koger
The adage, "nothing just happens," repeatedly holds true--in business, in church, in adult Christian education, in leading a Bible study discussion. Group discussion, especially "good" discussion, can facilitate a positive learning experience in adult Christian education, but it is a method which also has limitations and must be used wisely.
Leaching by discussion utilizes one of the best principles of adult learning—the involvement of learners in active participation in the learning experience. A good discussion will help students express themselves verbally, reflect upon their thinking in conjunction with the thinking of their peers, and develop a tolerance for those with whom they may disagree.
A discussion setting provides an atmosphere which can enhance group rapport. The informality of the situation allows group members to sense how other people feel, and identification with the group begins to emerge. Learners soon come to realize that the questions that have been bothering them are not unique but are problems faced by many of their friends. People who engage in open exchange of ideas with others will learn both the existence and validity of other points of view and will more readily reaffirm, moderate, or perhaps even drastically change, their own ideas.
As a teacher, it is important to learn how to lead a good discussion, because a good discussion does not just happen.
First, be realistic about time. “We have five minutes left to discuss the lesson. Who wants to begin?” really means, “We do not really have time for a discussion; so keep quiet and we will have five minutes left over!” A good discussion usually requires much longer than expected because the energy level of the group must be elevated to engage in and maintain the discussion.
Second, subdivide your class for discussion. Many think that a class of twenty is a small group, but it is a very large group for discussion. Four to eight persons make good groups for discussion.
Third, relax with those who rarely speak. You are more uncomfortable than they are. Do not force them to speak.
Fourth, clarify your discussion goals. What do you really want to happen? Why are you using group discussion?
Fifth, be sure to ask the right question. Avoid asking a question with a right answer, particularly with a simple yes or no.
Sixth, listen for the values behind the words. Often these bring persons together. Work on your listening skills. Plan ahead, anticipating the responses of the group, so you will be able to listen to what people are saying.
Seventh, affirm differences—even call attention to them. Seek an understanding of the background of those differences. Encourage genuine expression of any idea and discourage attempts to make participants conform.
Finally, seek balanced participation. Become familiar with techniques on how to get the apathetic person to enter in and how to prevent the monopolizer from dominating the conversation.
As a teacher, you will want to familiarize yourself with several different teaching-learning approaches and become comfortable with varying your approach. While you will probably center on two or three, stretch yourself by practicing as many as seem appropriate for your class. Bear in mind that, while group discussion works well in some situations, it is not a cure-all for adult Christian education. Discussion simply for the sake of discussion is a misuse of time and energy. It detracts from our purposes when it becomes a substitute for rather than a supplement to the proclamation of Scripture.
From Formations, Teaching Guide, September – December 1994.
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