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Standards of Learning
English
Oral Language 3.1, 4.1, 5.1
Correlations
to VA
SOL and Student
Expectations
Leadership Student Expectations
ES.7: Communication skills
ES.8: Decision-making skills
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Instructional Activity or Strategy
Arguments vs. Discussions
This activity helps students distinguish between arguments and discussions
and emphasizes the benefits of discussion as a prelude to decision making
and problem solving.
Steps To Complete the Activity
- Ask students the difference between an argument and a discussion,
and write their ideas on the board. If necessary prompt them with
suggestions about tone of voice, body language, and vocabulary.
- Make a list of practice topics, and ask for volunteers to demonstrate
an argument and a discussion about a topic from the list.
Discussion
- What happens when people argue?
- Can you have a discussion when you are angry?
- What is the goal of an argument? Of a discussion?
- What are the benefits of discussion over an argument?
Resources
Kreidler, William J. Creative Conflict Resolution: More Than
200 Activities for Keeping Peace in the Classroom. Glenview, IL:
Good Year Books, 1984.
Teacher’s Notes
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