Discussion-Based Learning

 

 

Facilitating group discussions around a particular topic or technique can be an extremely valuable pedagogical technique – discussion-based learning in particular can lead to better practical knowledge and potentially improved long-term knowledge retention when compared to the more traditional format of lecture-based learning.

What is Discussion-Based Learning?

When we talk about ‘discussion-based learning’, we’re talking about taking a discussion-led approach, whether this is through physical or digital conversation, rather than a passive approach (such as lecturing, reading or watching) to teaching.

Designing for discussion-based learning involves thinking beyond simple questions and prompts themselves, and this is true whether the students are participating in discussions online, through an app, or in a physical classroom.

Fortunately, mobiles and apps lend themselves perfectly to discussions and conversation since we’re all so used to turning to our phones every day to talk to and communicate with others.

Introducing Discussions in Workshop

At Workshop we’ve introduced discussions as a way for you to talk to your peers and learn from one another. Our aim here is to create an environment where students want to contribute to not only help solidify what they’ve learnt, but also to help others out with tips or tricks that they might not have picked up through watching the videos alone.

You can now head to any video in the app to access a discussion:

1. Open any video within a session, or workshop

2. Tap the chat icon in the bottom left of the screen

3. To get involved with the discussion, simply type your message, and hit send

 

Discussions are focused around the step being watched, so if you have anything to add or need anything clarifying, go to the discussion and type away.

Why is Discussion-Based Learning Important?

You may have seen the forgetting curve infographic that says that most people only recall 10% of information learned within just 72 hours in passive learning environments.

Discussion-based learning can help reverse this curve – in fact, research shows that retention rates can be as high as 70% over the same 72 hour window when social learning approaches, which includes discussion-based learning, are used.

This is our first step towards creating a truly social learning experience within Workshop – we’re not here to rely on traditional learning techniques which see low recollection and recall rates!

As always, we’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions – so please get in touch.