The Place of Discussion Formats in Education: Do Not Silence Children
Silencing children is easy; the real task is to help them speak well. We explore the place of discussion formats such as panels, debates and forums in education.
Let us begin with a piece by the master actor Münir Özkul. Describing his own Turkish teacher, he writes: "If you do not let children speak, if you punish them for speaking, you will create either a people who react to nothing and dare not open their mouths, or a people who, unable to express themselves, try to settle everything through force." In this article we explore the place of discussion formats in education, and why helping children speak well matters more than silencing them.
To Silence Children, or to Let Them Speak?
Silencing children is the easiest part of the task. What matters is teaching them where, how and when they should speak. A society afraid to speak, unable to express its thoughts and therefore more inclined to violence, is a picture no one would want. Instead, the aim should be an enlightened generation that can express itself.
When we teach children where, how and when to speak instead of silencing them, a more enlightened generation grows.
A Student-Centered Approach and Discussion Formats
In programs based on a constructivist approach to education, the student, not the teacher, sits at the center of the lesson. The teacher does not hand over ready-made knowledge; the teacher is a guide who helps the student discover knowledge for themselves. With this approach we apply various discussion formats in our lessons:
Discussion Formats
Panel
A subject examined before an audience by specialists.
Debate
Two opposing groups defending their arguments.
Forum
Open discussion with the participation of the audience.
Open session
A subject discussed from its different aspects.
Thanks to these discussion formats, students can voice their ideas freely in the time set aside for them. They learn to mind their manner of speaking, to respect opposing views and to ask for the right to speak. In this way, patience, confidence, dedication and tolerance are woven into the foundations of children.
In brief
- The essential thing is not to silence children but to help them speak well.
- Panels, debates, forums and open sessions prepare students to express themselves.
- Discussion formats also instil respect, patience and tolerance.
You can explore our guidance unit for more on our student-centered approach, or get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which skills do discussion activities develop?
They strengthen both academic and social skills such as self-expression, respect for opposing views, manner of speaking, patience and tolerance.
What is the difference between a debate and a panel?
In a debate two opposing groups defend their arguments; in a panel a subject is examined before an audience by specialists from its different aspects.
Gökkuşağı Koleji · A generation that can speak and express itself.