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Resources for Effective Teaching |
General information:
Discussions are used in a variety of contexts across the university. Discussions stimulate information sharing, surface misconceptions, and increase deep learning. However, not all discussions are created equal. This site is designed to help you facilitate effective discussions whether in the classroom or online.

FacNet Resources – UNM faculty who are happy to help in this area:
UNM faculty have volunteered to offer one-on-one advice about in-class and online discussions. Contact OSET and we will make arrangements for you to meet.
Click here if you would like to volunteer your expertise to colleagues by joining FacNet.
Links to Useful Resources Outside UNM:
IDEA Paper #49- Effective Classroom Discussions: This 5 page PDF defines teacher and students roles in discussions as well as the strengths and limitations of discussion approaches; Kansas State University.
Facilitating Group Discussions: Understanding Group Development and Dynamics: This essay describes an approach which combines multiple resources with an explanation on how one
teaching center used them to foster self-awareness among facilitators and the students in their discussion groups; Kathy Takayama, Brown University.
Discussions: Learn basic principles, specific tools and strategies, review models and case studies, and browse through the center for teaching resources; Vanderbilt University.
What are Some Good Ways to Facilitate Discussion: Quick bullet points on how to get more out of discussions.
Rubrics for Online Discussion: Find examples of how to write a rubric to gain student input and more valuable responses; Middle Tennessee State University.