Discussion Checklist

Your group’s facilitator works to keep the group on track, but each group member must take responsibility for themselves.
Which items did your group’s discussion include?

Features of a Good Discussion	Comments
1. All listen carefully and respectfully to one another. For example, no one talks, daydreams, rustles papers, makes faces, or uses phones or devices when someone else is speaking. No one makes sarcastic comments.______
2. Verbally expressive group members don’t dominate. Quiet group members are encouraged.______
3. Focus is on one speaker at a time.______
4. If a comment isn’t heard or understood the group member is asked to repeat it.______
5. Group members back up what they say with examples and quotations. Journals or notes from other sources are often read out loud to support statements.______
6. An attempt is made to resolve questions and issues before moving on to new ones. ______
7. Group members take risks to gain and express new insights.______

Adapted from Wiggins, A. (2017). The best class you never taught: How spider web discussion can turn students into learning leaders. ASCD