Why this approach is important

Discussion is an active approach to helping students construct meaning and understanding of scientific concepts, issues and ethics. Your students will have their own ideas around a subject or topic like malnutrition. Such understandings will have been built up through previous science lessons throughout their schooling and from their personal and family experiences. Extending students’ knowledge even further by providing opportunities for them to consider the implications of eating healthily, will influence the kinds of life decisions they make as they mature into adulthood.

In effective discussions, students are encouraged to do most of the talking with one another as they explore concepts and ideas. It is only by talking that we often begin to think more deeply about the subject. This is not only helpful in enabling students to learn from one another but it also reveals to you any confused ideas they may have, so that, subsequently, you can plan ways to direct learning. Helping and supporting your students from an early stage to talk about science and share their thoughts, will make them more able to argue their case in later life.