Determining the Conversation Topic One of the most important tasks is the selection of the conversation topic. Teachers using experts as resources may wish to have them collaborate in shaping the conversation content. Consider any local issues that may provide context for the conversation. If you will be using any accompanying materials, be sure that they are short and speak directly to the conversation content. Newspaper op-ed pages, letters to editors, poems, and stories might be used as starters or additional resources. Don't hesitate to adapt or use only a part of a suggested conversation starter, article, or key document if that will best suit your needs. To help you get started, go to the topics, conversation starters and resources provided on this site. You may wish to use one or more of these suggested starters for each conversation or select ones on your own. The topics provide an overview of important issues upon which to build the conversation. The conversation starters are brief, accessible and provocative ways to jump start your conversation and provide participants with a common starting place. The resources include background materials, selected readings and key documents. Role of the discussion leader | Determining the conversation topic Keeping discussions going | Finding experts | Using experts as resources Classroom strategies | Setting ground rules for student participation | Closing the conversation