Discussion methods have an important place in both informal and formal adult learning.   In the United States, we believe that people can understand their problems, and if given an opportunity to discuss the together, can find solutions for them.  A democracy can be successful only when the majority of its citizens understand and have intelligent opinions concerning matters of public concern.  Discussion is essential to the formulation of intelligent public opinion.

Much of the Knowledge acquired by adults has been obtained by participating in discussions in the home, church, school, office, laboratory, factory, place of business, public meeting room, place of recreation, or on the street.  Discussion is usually spontaneous when a few people come together who are well acquainted with each other.   As the number of people participating increases, the spontaneity of the discussion decreases.  People are not used to participating in discussions involving more than a few people.  Individuals who will discuss freely among close acquaintances are often reluctant to participate in discussions when strangers are involved.

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This website was last updated on Thursday, August 16, 2001 10:43 AM.  This is version 1.1.  If you have any questions about this site, please email ddavies@ag.arizona.edu.  If you have any questions about the course, please email Dr. James Knight at jknight@ag.arizona.edu.