Most science laboratories are set up for students to carry out experiments safely, but are not necessarily suitable for running effective discussions. Unless everyone can see and hear each other a good discussion is unlikely to happen. Changing the room set-up (you can even get your students to do this for you!) will help to create the right atmosphere for a good discussion.
Top tips
- Change the room layout.
- Ensure that everyone can see and hear each other.
- Ensure everyone is as comfortable as possible (within the limitations of the laboratory environment).
- Use an alternative room. If you can't move the benches in your lab can you find another room to run your discussion? A different classroom, hall or drama space are all good places to run discussions.
- Set the scene with posters, images in a PowerPoint presentation or objects linked to the discussion topic. For example, you could use pictures of Dolly the sheep or other cloned animals for a discussion on cloning.
Recommended room layouts
U-shaped layout
This layout works well with many different types of discussion technique and is particularly useful for running a Socratic seminar using the space in the centre of the ‘U’ for the talking circle.
Cabaret layout
This has small groups of students sitting around individual group tables. It works well for small group discussion and is easy to set up without rearranging the whole room. The cabaret layout is ideal for running a 'marketplace' activity.
Download PDF (118Kb) with more information for teachers about the Dana Model, which defines three levels of need for discussion events.
Download PDF (327 Kb) presenting an overview of discussion techniques, including suggestions for different room layouts.