Panel+Discussion


 * Panel Discussion**

A panel discussion involves a group of participants who present a topic before an audience and a moderator who introduces and facilitates the discussion. A panel discussion provides opportunities for students to examine controversial issues from different perspectives. The moderator introduces the topic, and the panel members then each present a prepared statement of three to five minutes representing various viewpoints. The moderator facilitates audience participation and allows panel members to clarify previous statements or provide new information. After the discussion period, the moderator asks each panel member for some general conclusions or summary statements. Topics chosen for a panel discussion should engage students intellectually and emotionally, allowing them to use higher-order thinking as they make reasoned and logical arguments.
 * Description**

The teacher:
 * Method**
 * pre-teaches the components/skills of a good discussion;
 * plans and prepares in advance to identify relevant topics;
 * provides constructive feedback on the basis of criteria established in advance;
 * may have the panel videotaped so that panel members can evaluate their work;
 * invites outside panel or audience members with expertise in certain areas.

Panel discussions:
 * Considerations**
 * require that moderating/facilitating is judiciously handled to prevent arguments, deviation from the topic, or irrelevant discussion;
 * require that panel members have some expertise or preparation in the particular area under discussion;
 * require that students in the audience exhibit a basic understanding of the topic.


 * Illustrations From The Mathematics Classroom**

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 * Elementary**

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 * Secondary**