Strategies
You ask an “opening” question. Nobody wants to jump in first and respond.
- Clarify meaning of question (go over vocabulary, write question on board, simplify, rephrase, refer to visuals, if appropriate, seek translation)
- Give a sample response (“Some people think...” or “I think...,what do YOU think?”)
- Call on individuals (start with more proficient speakers)
- Shift to an easier question
You direct a question to an individual, but he is not responding.
- Give him a little longer! (Limited English speakers often need a little time to think of a way to phrase their responses. If you give them enough space, they may surprise you.)
- Redirect to another participant, but come back to him again later for another chance
A participant's response is unclear to you.
- Take a guess, restate the response, and ask if this is what she meant (“So you are saying..., is that right?”)
- Ask for elaboration (“can you say more?”) or rephrasing (“can you say that another way?”)
- Ask if anyone else in the group can help (another participant may understand what she is trying to say)
- Move on (Insisting on a high degree of accuracy will drive everyone crazy!)
You understand what the person is saying, but it may not be clear to everyone else.
- Repeat (if the person's pronunciation is not clear)
- Try to rephrase (‘I think José means...Is that what you mean, José?”)
You are doing too much of the talking (e.g. participants keep directing questions to you or expecting you to respond to their opinions).
-
Redirect:
- “Janet is asking what a 'loan' is. Han, can you explain that?”
- “Carlos thinks medicine is too expensive in the US. Sasha, what do you think about that?”
- “Gina, do you agree with Carlos?”
- “Who has a different opinion?”
- “Wanda, can you add anything?”
An individual offers an inappropriate response (she didn't understand the question).
- Gently redirect to someone who did (“hmmm....Chu, what do you think?”)
- Clarify the question
An individual offers an inappropriate response (a put-down, prejudicial remark, etc.).
- Refer to discussion ground rules
- Refute (“I don't think that is fair. There are many well-educated Latinos in our community.”)
Side conversations are breaking out.
- Call on the individuals involved: “I can't hear what Marta is saying. Kim, can you hear Marta?” or “Kim, do you and Maria have something to share with the group?’
- Shift to a different activity (participants may be getting bored)
Discussion seems to be losing steam (participation is flagging).
- Shift to another topic or activity (participants may be bored, tired, or uncomfortable with topic)