ABSTRACT
Class discussions provide excellent opportunities for the teacher to be both sage and facilitator. This is so because discussions usually require a careful balance between teacher direction and active student participation. The teacher's role in a Pyramid Discussion is that of skillful questioner and guide. The problem is compounded by the reality that not every student speaks up during a typical class discussion. The pyramid approach to class discussion results in highly increased levels of student involvement and far more thoughtful answers to questions as well. It takes time to build a reflective environment, one in which teachers and students search for meaning in depth. Student's response show effective interpretations, comparisons, or contrasts of information from sources. Be sure to spend time on these skills; in fact, it makes a good Pyramid Discussion to have the students discuss rules of conduct, politeness toward others, listening skills, and other socially responsible ways of behaving in a discussion.
