Suggestion 75. Keep notes during discussion

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Encourage class discussion

• Summarize major points

• Focus and sustain the discussion

Keeping notes during discussion.

Some teachers find it useful to keep a clipboard handy during discussion so that they can jot down notes. As the class is discussing a topic, one education professor makes notes about important points, confusing concepts, or ideas that may have been overlooked in the discussion. At the end of the period, he makes a brief summary of the topics discussed, reinforcing the main points, and clarifying or elaborating as appropriate.

A professor of engineering employs a similar strategy, but he interjects his comments during the course of discussion. "I summarize and make remarks that will get the discussion back on track, or I shift the discussion from an issue that has already been adequately dealt with to a new one."

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode: Discussion

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

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