Strategies for Stimulating Discussion

Despite the importance of discourse in professional military education and operational settings, little guidance exists within the military to identify best practices that instructors and leaders should apply when engaging in classroom discussion. A review was conducted of information available regarding the application of discussion methods in educational settings as a primer for stimulating discussion. There were 24 dialogic classroom discussion exercises identified in the literature that differed with respect to several characteristics: the extent to which they forced participation, the level of structure they provided, and whether they incorporated written activities or thinking time in the exercise. Prescriptive guidance was not available that describes a specific formula or method to use in selecting a discussion exercise structure for a given class situation. Elements to consider, however, involve selecting an approach to the exercise that: (1) facilitates achieving the identified objectives, (2) considers the characteristics of the participants, and (3) develops a culture and climate in the class that supports useful discussion and rewards appropriate contributions. Thirteen best practices for conducting discussion that develops necessary skills for discourse were identified and discussed. 01 Jan 0001, 01 Jan 0001, There are numerous errors on the front matter pages, e.g., incorrect and/or incomplete information on the SF-298, etc. However the report as is, was approved by ARI's senior management. Thus, it was submitted as is.