What is the purpose of a guided discussion method?

The guided discussion method is designed primarily to facilitate student engagement and to uncover students' pre-existing knowledge or misconceptions. This method encourages learners to express their thoughts and reflections on a subject, allowing the instructor to gauge what the students already comprehend and identify any gaps in their understanding. By guiding the discussion, instructors can promote critical thinking and help students connect new information to what they already know.

In this context, drawing out what students don’t know is crucial, as it can lead to targeted instruction that addresses those knowledge gaps. This enables the instructor to provide the necessary support and clarification, ensuring that students build a solid foundation on the topic being discussed. This approach is particularly effective in educational settings, where fostering dialogue and inquiry is essential to the learning process.