Elements of Discussion (HC)

A volume in Critical Constructions: Studies on Education and SocietySeries Editors: Curry Stephenson Malott West Chester University of Pennsylvania; Brad J. PorfilioLewis University in Romeoville IL; Marc Pruyn Monash University; Derek R. Ford Syracuse UniversityThe Discussion is distorting today. Within schools social movements and firms there has been an increasingtendency for teachers and facilitators to announce that there will be a discussion while the interaction whichfollows this announcement is not a discussion but something else??likely a recitation and lecture. This distortionof discussion promises democracy equality and participation during a meeting or class but delivers inequalityprohibition and dominance.Now is the time to begin changing these practices which ultimately create and support a neoliberal society thatpromises democracy but practices oligarchy. One way to change this neoliberal social world is by intervening in the distortion of discussion byfacilitating interaction so that discussion's promise of equality and participation is fulfilled rather than negated. Elements of Discussion is a resourcefor this intervention. It is a political poetic and practical handbook for facilitating discussion. Discussions happen everywhere and if society itself iscomposed of relationships between people then creating more participation and equality during discussions can help create the conditions for socialchange. Elements of Discussion therefore includes practical tips techniques and reflective questions through which it firmly and sensitively suggeststo readers how to facilitate discussions across contexts. Beginning with the ways chairs and tables are set up continuing through the kinds ofquestions a facilitator can ask and including sample activities facilitators can use the book expounds a philosophy of facilitating discussionemphasizing the political and poetic significance of the tactics it recommends.