Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-121.) and index.

"How can you make a discussion really work? What sort of activities produce genuine and enthusiastic exchanges of ideas? How can you prepare such exercises quickly and easily? These are some of the questions that Discussions that Work sets out to answer.

The first part provides some general guidelines on the organisation of successful task-centered activities. The second part consists of some fifty practical examples which have been tried and found effective in the classroom. They range from fairly simple to complex and sophisticated, and can thus be used with a wide range of learners, from elementary to the most advanced, in both secondary and adult education." (Book Cover)

CONTENTS:

Preface

Part 1: General principles

[1.] What is a discussion?
Communication practice
The discussion
The aims
A discussion that works

[2.] Some factors in a good discussion: topic, group-work, role-play
The topic
Group-work
Role-play

[3.] Giving the discussion a purpose: the task
Thought
Result
Language-practice efficiency
Simplicity
Preparation
Interaction
Interest

[4.] Organization
Presentation
Process Ending Feedback
Conclusion

Part 2: Practical examples

Introduction

Brainstorming activities
1. Guessing games
2. Finding connections
3. Ideas from a central theme
4. Implications and interpretations

Organizing activities
5. Comparing
6. Detecting differences
7. Putting in order
8. Priorities
9. Choosing candidates (a)
10. Choosing candidates (b)
11. Layout problems
12. Combining versions

Compound activities
13. Composing letters
14. Debates
15. Publicity campaigns
16. Surveys
17. Planning projects

Bibliography

Index