QUESTION:

When I attempt to hold whole class discussion, even though class size is not large, I encounter problems in engaging most learners to participate.  There are three major problems:  1) not all learners speak because certain individuals dominate, 2) no matter how familiar the subject, there seems to always be a vocabulary “shortage” and 3) most learners want to talk only to the teacher. . .or better yet, listen to the teacher.

ANSWER:    "Triad Discussions"  is a group activity for promoting class discussions.  It employs class management techniques which will yield far more learner involvement than a whole class discussion. 

TEACHER PREPARATION:

An A5 sheet with three topics printed on it and one set of Question Cards would be required for a class of 14 learners, i.e., 3 or 4 learners for four groups (See below).

The topics selected should be those covered in previous lessons or part of their course material, so that learners will have the opportunity to practice fluency with familiar vocabulary items.  (For another Question Cards activity,  see our Linguaglobe Column of  27/8/2012.) 

Question cards to be prepared with one 'question beginning' on each card:

Sample List of B2 Topics as Teacher's Resource:

Two Samples of A5 Topic Sheets (different ones for each triad):

Group formations require you to divide learners into groups of 3 (minimum) and assign each group member a role.  In a group of three, Learner 1 will ask questions, Learner 2 will answer and Learner 3 will take notes and report back.  In our class of 14, there will be four groups:  two groups of 3 and two groups of 4.  Learners No. 4 of the latter groups can also answer questions as Learner 2 will.

The Triad Discussion procedure is divided into three parts.

1) Once your groups are formed and materials have been distributed, you can give the instructions for Part One.  In Part One, learners are allowed 5' to articulate 7 to 10 questions about the first topic on their A5 sheets.  To aid them in forming these questions, they can choose  Question Cards, at random, to be used as 'question beginnings'.  Learners 1 are responsible for writing these questions down.  As the time limit approaches, circulate to check that each group has written at least 5 questions.  If not, extend the time limit another 2 minutes and provide help where needed.

 2) In Part Two, each group will conduct their discussions simultaneously.  If your class size is large,  you can suggest that learners huddle and whisper so as to keep the volume low.  Learners 1 will ask Learners 2 for answers to the questions written in Part One. While they discuss, Learners 3 will record, in note form, the content of the answers and any ensuing discussion. A time limit of 3-5' can be set, depending on the learners' level.

3) The Report Back takes place during Part Three.  Learners 3 will speak to the plenary, referring to their notes when necessary.  During each group's report back, Learners 1 & 2 can make brief remarks or contributions  as well.

It is advisable that all learners be given a 'listening task', so that they stay attentive throughout each of the reports of  Learners 3.  For example, all learners can be asked to write a comment about each of the topic discussions reported.  This comment should express their agreement,  disagreement or further contribution to the discussion.  These comments can be expressed orally and further discussed by group members as an extension to the Triad Discussions speaking activity.