Argumentation CPD
A useful structure for enabling students to discuss alternative positions, such as those portrayed in concept cartoons, is through students working in groups of three, or 'listening triads'. The structure is inclusive, as each member of the group has an active role, it also provides an opportunity for students to 'take turns' and listen carefully to each other. The teacher can monitor the discussions by listening in to see how ideas are expressed and questioned. There is also a record of the discussion for the students to take forward.
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Video 1 - Introducing listening triads
The teacher introduces a Concept Cartoon activity in the context of Plant growth. Note how she explains the roles the students should take when discussing the cartoon. Each student is given a role: questioner, question answerer or scribe. The teacher also shows how to manage group numbers which are not divisible by 3.
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Video 2 - Student participation
Students work as a listening triad. The dialogue is difficult to follow, but the students are focused and carefully consider the different claims on the cartoon (see transcript); they do not know the correct answer at this stage, so it is a 'real' problem for them. They do not follow the listening triad structure as intended, but setting up the group work as a triad has stimulated the discussion.
