Sample Questions to Keep the Discussion on Track Here are some questions that will help keep the ball rolling once you've started: What are the advantages and disadvantages of looking at the issue that way? What seems to be the key issue here? Would someone like to give another view? What other aspects of the issue should we be aware of? What do you find convincing about that viewpoint? Has anyone had a personal experience in dealing with this issue? What do you think people who hold that opinion care deeply about? Are there any points on which most of us would agree? Could you tell us the reasons behind your opinion? Don't let one or two people do all the talking. To involve others in the discussion, you might say: That's a good point, and I see that someone else wants to respond to it. Let's get back to the first point you made. Does anyone want to respond to that? (Repeat the point.) We've heard opinions from one perspective. Who would like to express another view? If the discussion strays, get it back on track by saying something like "I wonder how this relates to our major concern?" or "That's interesting, but I think we need to get back to our main focus." 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