What procedures would be effective for classroom discussions that would not impede free flowing conversation? (for example requiring raising hands led to a stifled environment). What procedures exist for classroom discussions?
It might help to give each student three or four tabs to use in a discussion. The tabs are on their desks or on the floor in front of them when seated on the floor or whatever. When they want to share they hold up a tab (I'd make a rule that no tabs can be raised while another person is talking), and when they begin talking they move the tab to a new position or crumple it or fold it or something to indicate that it has been used. This allows everyone to participate without waiting to be called on but avoids the problem of students dominating the discussion. It causes students to think before blurting so they don't waste their contributions. It gives them control of the discussion rather than having to wait to be called on. If two people hold up a tab at the same time, they can quickly decide who will go first. If many students hold up tabs at the same time, the person who just finished speaking could call on one of them. I know this procedure doesn't create a completely natural free-flowing discussion, but it does help put students in charge and reinforces listening, waiting your turn, etc.
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