ABSTRACT
Discussion tasks offer learners authentic learning opportunities to express their personal views and ideas. Teaching discussion skills is also an opportunity to teach language needed to enact those skills. Some of the cognitive and social demands in discussion overlap with various other speaking tasks and learners need to manage these demands strategically. Activities such as recognising and managing problems, and leading a discussion are useful skills to develop in students especially those who are in the higher-intermediate and advanced levels. Discussions require a complex set of cognitive, metacognitive and interactional skills. Effective discussions require group members to listen, speak and think together. The Bright Vale High School awards a college scholarship each year to a graduating student who excels in academic studies and is a role model for other students in their attitude and character.
