GUIDELINES (FORUM)

Format of forum discussion:

Introduction by forum mediator:
• Introduce panel members briefly.
• Introduce the topic to be discussed.
• Indicate to audience the duration of the forum and that a Q & A session will be opened
to them at the end of the forum.

Panel discussion:
Presentation of views by panel members:
• Students from both sides of the panel put forward their arguments on an issue on the
selected topic.
Examples of language expressions: “My argument is….”,”My view on this topic
is that…”

• Students support their points of view with evidence from articles they have read (i.e:
they provide evidence in the form of an author’s/authors’ claims or arguments that are
similar to theirs or research findings/statistics/expert opinion mentioned in the articles).
Examples of language expressions: “Based on the articles I’ve read/studied,
the author (name and/or position) indicates a similar point of view. He mentions
that….”/”According to the author of…”

(Followed by other panel members putting forward their own points of view on the same
topic
with the necessary supporting evidence)

Reaction by panel members:

• After the first presenter has presented, student from the opposing side can react to the
other panel member’s point of view.

Examples of language expressions: “What evidence does the author in the article
provides to support his stand?”/“Can the evidence be proven?”/”Is it a strong
evidence?/”It appears to be a generalisation without any concrete support/”I don’t
agree with your view (and provide reason to refute)

• Students can react by questioning the credibility of the author/expert and the
validity/objectivity of the support that the other panel member has referred to in order
to support their views/arguments presented earlier by the opposing side of the panel.

NOTE: All this is done in a course of the forum discussion and not in a form of debate

Examples of language expressions: “I think the evidence is weak

because…”,“The evidence you mentioned sounds valid because…”

NOTE: During the forum, if necessary, the mediator might interject to remind the student of
the time and ensure that there is fair turn taking.

Concluding the forum: The mediator will invite questions or response/feedback from the
floor
and bring the forum to a close.

Q and A session with the audience:

The audience is allowed to ask each side of the panel at least 1 question or provide
some comments or feedback. This is to ensure participation from the audience.

Role of panel member:

• Prepare in advance for the forum by reading about the subject.
• Discuss with panel members beforehand and prepare their respective outlines.
• Avoid putting down other members of the opposing panel. Instead, discuss the subject
matter in an objective manner without being emotional.
• Always maintain eye contact when addressing the panel members or the audience.
• Ensure that the audience listens to what is being said by being enthusiastic and
effective in delivering one’s views during the discussion.
• While a student speaks, the members of the forum should listen.
• Go straight to the point. Do not dominate the discussion.

Role of moderator:
• Introduce the participants properly noting their expertise on the subject to be
discussed.
• Provide an overview of the discussion.
• Ensure that all participants are heard. The moderator can interfere whenever he or she
deems fit.
• Invite panel members to a Q & A session and bring the forum to a close.

The forum needs to be presented in relation to these critical reading elements:

These critical reading elements are to be discussed during the forum.
• Panel member’s point of view
• Evidence to support the argument(s)
• Evaluation and counterargument of evidence provided