3. Discussion

Learning through discussion requires the learner to articulate their ideas and questions, and to challenge and respond to the ideas and questions from the teacher, and/or from their peers.

Learning through Discussion is aligned with learning through collaboration. However, they are two different pedagogies, collaboration focuses on students to negotiate their understanding in their groups and try to reach a shared understanding. In Learning through Discussion learners do not need to reach a shared understanding. Rather, students need to be able to challenge and critique each other's ideas by using clear evidence and explanations, which helps individuals to develop their knowledge of the concept.

In this learning type, feedback comes in the form of questions, comments, and guidance from the educator and questions, comments and alternative thinking/solution from the peers. All these enable the learner to reflect and re-think. In this context, students are not asked to apply their ideas in practice. 

Different forms of learning through discussion

Learning through discussion can happen in different forms:

• With or without the educator present
• Small or large groups
• Teacher-led or Students-led
• Structured or non-structured
• Embedded within other methods or stand-alone

Also, we now have the choice of:

• Face-to-face
• Synchronous 
• Asynchronous