From what has been said it will have become clear that a teacher planning to use discussion methods needs to spend a good deal of time in preparation, perhaps almost more than for any other method. He has to consider not only the physical setting but also the emotional responses of each class member. He has to give forethought to his own style of leadership and to the ways in which he can more effectively find answers to the problems presented by ‘awkward’ students. Above all he has to think about the group interaction and how this will affect the learning process. To this wrestling with somewhat intangible issues he has to add thoughts about the subject, how best it can be introduced to the group, what aspects are likely to be most attractive to members, what the main discussable points are, what points of view on each are possible and how he will attempt to get a fair consideration for them. Since much of his leadership will consist of short comments put in after momentary decisions, the more he has thought through the discussion the more likely it is that his interventions will be helpful. In practical terms, the result of a long period of preparation may be only a single sheet listing the main aspects of the topic, possible alternative viewpoints or questions and possible illustrations, but such a period is essential if the maximum educational benefit is to be gained. Success in discussion is never complete but is well worth striving for.