6 Summary

Discussion is an effective way for students to explore and share ideas, as well as explore different viewpoints on important social and ethical issues related to science. Malnutrition is a topic that provides many opportunities for discussions that embrace sensitive issues. During this unit you have been encouraged to think about the factors you need to consider when planning a debate. These include:

• selecting a topic that is suitable for discussion
• considering ways of initiating the discussion (for example, using the textbook, a newspaper extract, a recent incident or event)
• deciding how to organise your students,even with large classes
• sharing the intended learning objectives
• encouraging all students to express their ideas
• facilitating the proceedings by helping students to participate effectively
• helping students to summarise the main arguments at the end.