Tips for Leading Discussions

Preparation

Set clear roles (e.g. which partner will begin/end the discussion)

Bring your own notes and responses for helpful reference

Introduce yourselves at the start of the discussion

Clearly establish the focus of the conversation

Thoughtful Questions

Offer thought provoking questions that engage colleagues

Use follow-up questions to develop an organic discussion

Speak directly to your classmates (not the instructor)

Try your best to engage all of your classmates

Give your classmates “thinking time” after asking a question

Facilitation

Make eye contact with those around you

Paraphrase your own questions for further clarification, if needed

Listen actively and react to the words spoken by your classmates

Know when to “get out of the way” to let your classmates converse

Be ready to go “off script” when classmates head in a new direction

Be explicit when shifting the focus of the conversation