• Be aware of verbal as well as the non-verbal behavior of the students.
• Moderate interaction and encouraging students to talk.
• Allow for silence.
• Observe classroom dynamics & decide the direction the discussion should take.

Summarize in order to pull together important aspects of a discussion and help organize and integrate information.

When you find you have lost track of the discussion or need to bring it back to the topic, summarize.

Keep note of the key points raised in the discussion and at the end summarize.

Keep notes of the students whose ideas have been mentioned to add to students' self esteem.

Have students summarize. In case no one volunteers, you can do it.

When debriefing in small groups, don't wait until one group has finished presenting all of its material; have each group present one or two points and then move on. This keeps the discussion moving around the whole class and keeps students alert and interested.

Linking together differences and similarities in ideas, opinions, and beliefs is another form of summarizing.

Linking demonstrates that other students also share similar ideas and that differences of opinions are valued.

Encouraging and supporting students in their efforts in the class helps to promote an atmosphere of trust and frankness.

Get into the habit of using strength confrontation. Focus on what the student is already doing well and shift to what needs improvement.

Build on competency. This adds to the students' self-esteem, lessens anxiety and allows students to build upon little successes.

Blocking is used to prevent undesirable, inappropriate or unethical behavior during discussions.

Set the ground rules for the class by establishing clear expectations and have the class add to the list. Including the class in the decision making process communicates that their opinions are valued. Examples to include are: start and finish on time; do original work; do ask questions; inappropriate comments and behaviors will not be tolerated; take responsibility for your own learning; everybody participates; and respect differences of opinion.