A disucussion is shared pursuit of understanding.
It is NOT a quiz; it is NOT a lecture.
The discussion leader is a facilitator. The leader only asks questions, never makes statements. The leader never preaches, teaches, summarizes, or offers judgments. The leader only asks questions. Participants may also ask questions.

Rules for Good Discussion Questions

1. Good discussion questions have alternative answers.
2. The leader does not ask a question to which he/she thinks he/she knows the answer.
3. The leader is interested in hearing a discussion of the question asked.
4. The questions aim at exploring the reading.
The group can respond to the questions from the reading.
5. Questions are specific. (Use page numbers where relevant.)
6. Questions are concise. (No more than ten words.)
7. Questions are phrased in ordinary language except exact words found in the reading.
8. Questions are prepared in "clusters." have a useful discussion question. Select as the opening question the question which will generate follow-up questions.)
9. Frequently the most useful questions are: "Why" plus some specific textual reference such as an event, a description, a claim, the title, the last sentence, etc.

Suggestions for Leading the Discussion

• Never go down a list of questions. A discussion requires participant interaction. A leader who goes down a list discourages discussion. Although you have prepared follow-up questions in advance, the follow-up questions you use should reflect the words and issues as they are developed by members of the group during the discussion.
• Invite each member of the group to participate. Be aware of the non-participant and provide space for him/her to come into the discussion at least once.
• Encourage the members of the group to ask questions. You are trying to help the participants talk with each other. If the questions take the group away from the book, bring it back to the text. If the question starts a new topic and you are not yet finished, postpone answering it temporarily.
• Remember, consensus is neither required nor desired.

Role of Participants

READ IN ADVANCE

You must complete the reading before the meeting in order to participate.

Read the entire book more than once. Mark passages and make comments in the margins of ideas you consider important or passages you do not understand.

TAKE TIME TO REFLECT BACK UP YOUR STATEMENTS

Supported claims by: reading briefly from the book; giving an accurate summary of what the book says; offering reasons you have developed yourself.

Don't wait to be called on. Everyone has something to contribute.

You are not required to agree with the author or a fellow participant. However, a before you can know you disagree, you must have listened carefully. Question any remark you do not understand before you contribute your own ideas.

Speak so that you may be heard and understood. Do not interrupt others. Avoid private conversations during the discussion. Offer your group the same respect and attention you would like yourself.

Learning is all about the willingness to admit mistakes and to change. Be open to the wisdom in the book and in the group. Then, make your decision subject always to new evidence, information, and understanding.