This was a very interesting exercise and the majority of students responded well to this activity even though I was afraid that they wouldn't since it was a small class and I was of the opinion that the diversity of students was small.
As they began the activity some were not untask and were very playful as the seemed not to take the activity seriously for whatever reason. This brought up feelings about being in control and I felt that I was loosing control and need to use the "teacher incharge big stick" approach. However I was able to push back those feelings and to approach them and was able to coherced them to get into a discussion mode by sitting with them, asking questions to get them focused on the topic and the activity.
When planning discussions, it must be well organised and students must be properly stimulated to participate in order for the discussion to be effective. Teachers must also be mentally prepared to deal with the idea that they are now 'facilitators' and should use a strategy that supports them to get such an activity going instead of wanting to be "incharge" (big stick approach) all the time.
Also teachers should do more listening and to motivate and encourage students to express their thoughts whether they agree or disagree and to remember to praise students for their imput.
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