I enjoyed the Almasi article “A new view of discussions.” This article showed the difference between recitation and discussion. Recitation being when a discussion is led by a teacher who asks the students questions, with which there is usually one right answer. This method focuses on teachers asking questions and students answering, this method is also known as the IRE method. Discussion involves more communication within the class. The students are able to reflect and give their opinions and ask the other members of their class questions. The discussion can be done with or without structure, it is a chance for the class to reflect upon and push their ideas and understanding.
When I was in elementary school I remember my teachers mainly using the IRE method. I remember doing the reading and the whole time I was reading I was looking for the answer to questions. My CT does a great job of having actual discussions with her students. When the class reads a book or does a lesson, the students are invited to raise their hand at any time to ask a question or give their opinion. When a student does this my CT generally opens their question up for discussion among the class before she carries on with the lesson. She also stops periodically to ask the students questions about a reading. she will ask questions such as why they think something happened, or how they would have handled a given situation. By allowing the students to discuss what they are doing I think it helps them to retain the information and to make connections with what they are doing.
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