Example Of A Discussion Evaluation Form printable pdf download

Example Of A Discussion Evaluation Form

Helping Students Understand How to Participate in Discussions

The term, discussion, refers to many different types of interactions, ranging from informal to highly

structured exchanges. One reason for ineffective or unproductive discussions is that students may not

understand what form of discourse you expect them to produce.

Why not describe the types of interaction that constitute productive or effective discussions in your

class? An example of this is the Discussion Evaluation Form. The shaded portion of the form indicates

specific types of behavior that typify productive and counter productive discussions. It conveys to

students a simple model of what discussions should look like, and indicates what they should try to do

and avoid doing. Students can use the form to monitor their own behavior and also evaluate the quality

of discussion in a group.

Suggested ways to use a Discussion Evaluation Form:

 Ask students at the beginning of the course to identify what they believe are positive and

negative features of discussions. Incorporate these into discussion guidelines for the class.

 Clarify the role of discussion in the course. How is discussion supposed to contribute to their

learning? To what extent is discussion an important feature of the course, etc.

 Ask students to use the guidelines/form to monitor their own participation and/or the quality of

group discussions.

 Do not overuse the form. Unless there is a good reason to use the form often, use it judiciously.

 Customize the guidelines/form to focus on what types of interactions are most important in your

field and your class. For example, in your class you might ask students to analyze or evaluate

ideas, concepts, theories, readings, etc. Your discussion guidelines could emphasize the

important qualities of analysis and evaluation—in your field, related to the assigned work in your

class, etc.

Example Of A Discussion Evaluation Form