Lesson SOC 41
Task: Participate in group discussions.
Prerequisites: S&L 23, S&L 24
Concept: Verbal abilities from the perspective of both understanding (receptive language) and speaking (expressive language) are encouraged and, it is hoped, increased for the student in this activity. Students should also be encouraged to perform the concept of taking turns and allowing others to speak without interruption.
Behavioral Objective: When requested, and indicating a desire to do so, the student will attend to and participate in a group discussion through listening or speaking for at least 50% of each session for 20 sessions.
Materials: A number of photos of current events or items of interest to the students.
Task Analysis:
1. In a group setting, present some information that is perceived to be of interest to the students. Yes/no types of questions should be asked of the students. Topic examples could be current sports events, news issues, or situations related to the students' school situation.
2. Continue Step 1, modifying the questions from a yes/no type of answer to open-ended questions. One way of ensuring more than a yes/no response is to ask questions such as, "Why do you think . . . ?" or "Can you tell me about . . . ?"
3. Expand the concept of Step 2 to include asking other students how they feel about a response that has been given by another student. Be sure not to place negative value judgments on opinions given by the students. Instead, attempt to be nondirective by repeating back the basic message given by the student.
4. Attempt to prompt any student to begin a discussion. Sometimes an opening question such as, "How does everybody feel about (a topic of known interest or debate)?" is useful. Encourage others to offer their opinion. Attempt to have all students participate.