The overarching purpose of discussion is to help learners to explore their experience they become more critical thinkers (Brookfield, 1987); that is, to help them to become contextually aware, to develop reflective skepticism, to be able to unearth and analyze the assumptions informing their values, beliefs, and actions, and to explore alternative ways of thinking and acting. Although, as we shall see, flexibility and risk taking are crucial components of discussion, there are various preparatory steps which can be taken to increase the chances that discussion sessions will be perceived by learners as open ended and charged with meaning and excitement.