Getting a class to have open dialog?

This might be a bit of a backwards question, but does anyone have any tips for getting kids in a class to begin open dialog with each other?

I teach a game development course, and at a certain point, I like to open the class up to open dialog, where everyone sits toghether (or white boards) and comes up with ideas for the game we'll make as a class. Its supposed to be a brain storming session, but its often hard to get the kids to start opening up casually.

Anyone have any ideas that help with this part?

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Permalink Reply by Michael on September 20, 2011 at 8:50pm

I read this blogpost advocating the use of backchannel as a means of getting children to share their ideas through the use of a simple chat room. It seems like a really good idea, especially for the quiet kids in the room. Give it a try, see what you think.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Edward Sagmiller on September 21, 2011 at 7:15am

I have to admit that I was very surprised by this, but it makes a lot of sense. I think I probably will start employing a group chat in some form. Unfortunately, I have a mobile class room of laptops, and don't always have internet. I'll probably just develop a small chat app that will operate locally only. Thanks for the idea. :)

Despite this, I'm still looking to find a good way to get the dialog going on an in-person group. I want to get the kids (or adults in some cases) to learn to talk over their ideas in constructive ways, and get used to working in groups.

When its worked in the past, it seems more luck based, as I haven't figured out the differences between my actions, or differences in their natures.

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Permalink Reply by Michael on September 22, 2011 at 9:38pm

No problem, glad you liked it.

I gotta tell you though, group work can be really hard. Even now, as an adult, I still find it tedious. You're always going to have those individuals who dominate the group, while the more introverted students go unnoticed. In addition to this, you're also going to have those few who do all the work, while the rest do nothing.

But, having said that, when you get the right mixture of personalities its like lightning in a bottle. It's truly amazing how productive the group can be.