5 Ways to Elevate Your Classroom Discussions

Classroom discussions are a cornerstone of the learning experience, helping students process ideas, build connections, and sharpen critical thinking. But many students are reluctant to speak up—especially post-pandemic, in the wake of online learning. Whether it’s a fear of giving an incorrect answer, discomfort with being vulnerable in front of the class, or uncertainty over engaging in a sensitive topic, many students need more support and encouragement to participate in meaningful discussion. For teachers, the challenge is creating a space where every student feels safe, confident, and inspired to contribute.

One way to encourage participation is to start by setting some ground rules. Cocreating community agreements with students is a way of deciding upon shared norms that help define what respectful discussion looks like. These rules can also include guidelines around how to disagree, how to handle mistakes, and what types of responses are off-limits. When students help shape the rules, they’re more likely to trust the environment and feel empowered to speak up.

Speaking up in front of an audience the size of the whole classroom is also a deterrent for many students. Changing the scope of the discussion in favor of a small-group format can help draw out the quieter speakers. A double circle model—where students face each other in two concentric circles that rotate periodically to switch discussion partners—creates low-pressure opportunities for everyone to speak and gradually build confidence.

Another way to help students get comfortable is to start off with light, low-stakes conversation starters. Casual prompts about everyday topics give students a chance to share something authentic about themselves without the pressure of providing a “right answer.“

Rather than calling on the first hand to be raised, teachers can use simple nonverbal cues like a thumbs-up to give students time to process the prompt and signal when they have something to contribute. This helps ensure that quieter or slower-to-respond students don’t get left behind.

For a more visual approach, some educators map classroom discussions in real time, using a seating diagram to track the conversation as it moves through the room. This “discussion map” is then shared with the students so they can see how the conversation took shape, who participated, and who still needs to contribute.

For more ideas on classroom discussions, check out EdSurge’s thoughtful article, “Is Classroom Discussion a Dying Art?” and Andrew Boryga’s piece for Edutopia, “How to Rethink the Objectives of Classroom Discussion.”