Open-ended approach: There is no single "right" answer. The goal is not to all agree but to think about how and why you reach a decision.
Free exchange of ideas: Students should feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts. Each student should have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion within a nonjudgmental atmosphere.
Student-to-student interaction: The conversation is primarily between the students, with the teacher acting as a facilitator, using questions to guide and encourage thought and discussion. Lecture should be avoided.
Development of listening and verbal skills: Each student should be intimately engaged in the discussion activity, listening carefully and participating actively as either a listener or a speaker.
Focus on reasoning: Each student should be thinking about the process he used to arrive at a decision.
Dilemmas produce conflict: Conflict is a natural by-product of this form of problem-solving. Conflict heightens student interest and personal involvement. Resolving an internal conflict is a necessary precondition for advancement to a higher state of reasoning.