Panel Discussions

What is it?

Panel discussion is a great way to engage students in meaningful classroom discussions. A selected group of 4-6 students act as panelists and the remaining students are the audience. Students conduct discussions around a particular topic but from different perspectives. One of the benefits of the activity is that it provides an opportunity for students to experience authentic real life, panel-based activities.

Why use it?

Fosters productive learning relationships among students.
Allows students to reflect and think critically when listening to different viewpoints.

How do I do it?

	Synchronous face-to-face	Synchronous online	Asynchronous	Tools
Student preparation	Provide the relevant information and learning materials to students well before the panel discussion. Discuss the structure and assign roles accordingly. Let students know what is required of them or provide detailed rubrics Ensure the students are aware of the objective of the panel discussion- should be lively and robust discussion. Ask the students (audience) to prepare questions that they would like to ask the panelists.	Provide the relevant information and learning materials to students well before the panel discussion. Discuss the structure and assign roles accordingly. Let students know what is required of them or provide detailed rubrics Ensure the students are aware of the objective of the panel discussion- should be lively and robust discussion. Ask the students (audience) to prepare questions that they would like to ask the panelists.	Provide the relevant information and learning materials to students well before the panel discussion. Discuss the structure (i.e. who is doing what) and assign roles accordingly.	LMS (discussion board, announcement)
Your preparation	Set up small groups (3-4)	Set up small groups (3-4) in breakout rooms	Set up small groups (3-4) in LMS.	LMS (group tool)
During activity	Panelists should take about 2 minutes each to present their viewpoint on the topic. After panelists have spoken students can start asking questions and nominate the panelist to answer them. Close the discussion at a pre-determined time	Panelists should take about 2 minutes each to present their viewpoint on the topic. After panelists have spoken students can start asking questions and nominate the panelist to answer them. Close the discussion at a pre-determined time	Students are both panelists and also ask questions (audience). Each student films themselves and uploads their video into the discussion forum. Each student is required to post a comment and a question for each student Students respond to comments and questions	LMS (discussion board)
Artefact	If the interaction has been filmed, this will be posted on the LMS	If the interaction has been filmed in Zoom, this will be posted on the LMS	Designated student ‘weaves’ comments, feedback and responses and posts these on discussion board The videos are also available on the discussion board	LMS (discussion board)

Considerations

To maximise participation you may get the students to take turns to be the panelists (synchronous).
You can also get the students to analyse a given topic under discussion and list the questions prior to the session (all modes).
You may prefer to be the moderator or get one of the students to take up the role (synchronous).
Consider an activity that encourages students to reflect on the activity and what they learned (all modes).