THE ROLE OF DISCUSSION IN ACTIVE TEACHING AND DIALOGUE CULTURE BUILDING

Abstract

The objective of the paper is an active application of the discussion method in the process of teaching the social sciences, with the focus on the subject of history that develops creative thinking, the intellectual and analytical capacity of students. The paper brings in focus the importance of using class discussion in active teaching since this method activates and maximally engages students in learning process. In the process of discussion, students develop their logical, critical and creative thinking, cognition as well as personal responsibility. The discussion stimulates an ability to substantiate the position or idea through healthy argument and judgment. It also supports the formation of democratic values among the students. It also encourages tolerance and understanding of opposite ideas. The discussion increases self-esteem and allows self-assertion. Application of discussion improves the ability of the students to conduct dialogue, express their ideas freely, provide argumentation in support of their position, cooperate, communicate, regulate conflict situations in interaction with peers and achieve consensus without confrontation. Alongside the range of discussion forms, the objectives of the discussion method are also considered in the paper. The paper describes a comprehensive process of selection of the discussion topics, the question types used during the discussion as well as the procedures of leading the discussion. The role of a teacher to create a trustful, respectful, and healthy environment for the class discussion is well explained. In addition, the active and thematic planning of the discussion method in teaching different topics of History is comprehensively covered in the paper.