Discussion Strategies: Beyond Everyday Conversation

by David Kehe, Peggy Dustin Kehe

Students enjoy developing skills needed at high academic and business levels

Work in real discussion formats: pairs, triads, small groups, large groups, whole class

Discussion topics are high-interest; no in depth background knowledge is needed.

Each unit builds on and recycles previous strategies.

Clear step-by-step, focused practice of 13 discussion skills: using rejoinders, asking follow-up questions, seeking/giving clarification, using comprehension checks, soliciting and using details, interrupting, expressing opinions, volunteering answers, referring to information and opinion sources, helping discussion leaders, and leading a discussion.

220 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mrshumolicious · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you ever find yourself in an esl teaching situation, this one can work things out pretty well

[Fitryani Simatupang]

good

[Kim Dammers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a "companion' to the authors' "Conversation Strategies." The articles to discuss are more intriguing in DS, but it requires a bit higher English level (B1 at least), where as CS is accessible to A1+ teens and adults. While CS is organized fairly rigidly, chapter 1 to 2 to..., DS is designed so that the teacher can jump around more. Also, if I recall correctly, it has more activities with more than two people per interaction. The books can be used with CS followed by DS, especially if there is, say, a summer break in between; or you can use just one: CS for lower-level or less "talkative" students and DS for B1 through C2 (omitting some of the units when doing C2).

The format of most of the units is basically scaffolding from copying phrases through fill in the blanks to answering questions and then carrying out independent discussions/conversations about the topics covered.

There is a long review of DS at http://www.prolinguaassociates.com/Di... .