Discussion+Web


 * Discussion Web **  (A Discussion Strategy)

A “Discussion Web” is a great strategy because it allows students to create a visual of a question or key issue. This visual will allow them to see opposing sides, how they balance each other out, and how they can combine together to make conclusions. This strategy would be especially helpful in a literature class because so many essays are based on the pros and cons of something, like a character, so many of these discussion webs could lead to fruitful essays. I would make a particular effort to have people regularly share their webs so that students can be exposed to as many issues from a book as possible, as well as their related details. Having this base of knowledge could help students recall things and generate ideas when faced with essays on a test.

In a British Literature class, students could make a “Discussion Web” to assess whether or not Darcy is a good man for Elizabeth in Jane Austen’s __Pride and Prejudice__. The central question would be, “Is Mr. Darcy a good match for Elizabeth?” and students would have to list the pros and cons. Taking this strategy a step further, I could even require students to provide textual evidence to back up their claims—thus turning discussion webs into prewriting discussions for essays. A student faced with a general “Discussion Web” answering the question could say that the “no” reasons are that Darcy is arrogant and literally insults Elizabeth at the first ball. He is also demeaning to her family. The “yes” reasons could be that she is just as stubborn as him, and that he ultimately goes out of his way to fix the wrongs he has caused. Therefore, the conclusion on the “Discussion Web” would be, “Darcy is a good match for Elizabeth because his pros outweigh his cons since his pros pertain to such large and meaningful acts. Also, he shows a capacity to change, so eventually, even his cons could dissipate." Beuhl, D. (2008). //Classroom Strategies for Interactive Learning// (3rd ed.). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.