Step 1: Work collaboratively to set discussion rules and guidelines. a) Meet with other participants before the discussion to develop a plan.
b) Confirm that the team knows the topic and text/s that will be the basis of the discussion.
c) Set clear goals with the team that include deadlines for preparation, the schedule of the
discussion, the length of the discussion, and the roles of each discussion member.
d) Decide on how the role of the moderator will function (with the aid of a teacher or another
adult).
e) Determine the purpose of the discussion and the audience.
f) Decide on the formality of the discussion and rules for consensus, vote taking, and presentation
of alternate viewpoints.