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Joint discussion in a cross-cultural classroom

Short description

The students are given a specific task (e.g. a brainstorming exercise, question or dilemma), which they complete in groups. The Padlet is used to summarise the groups’ discussions, so that the teacher and other students can see what each group has been working on.  

Motivation

In my experience, students in a class of Danish and English speakers were reluctant to participate in class discussions in English. However, they were happy to write and read aloud in English.


Video: Joint discussion in a cross-cultural classroom 
     

Learning objectives

  • To increase class discussion and participation among students 

  • To increase the quality of class discussion   

Execution

THE PROCESS

Before class

Before class, the teacher sets up the Padlets for the selected tasks.

Links to the Padlet should be added to the description of the task, which could be a brainstorming exercise, question or dilemma linked to the academic content of the session. 

In class

Individual

  • Students get into groups and start a discussion. They summarise their conclusions in Padlet, so that the other students can see what they arrived at.  

Plenary session 

  • First, the teacher explains the task and makes sure that the students have understood it. After the group discussions, the group summarise their conclusions in Padlet, which they can read aloud.  

  • The completed Padlets can then be exported as a PDF and saved as notes that students can use later. 

RESSOURCES FOR STUDENTS

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
Padlet for the tasks which use Padlet.

  • Introduction to Padlet 

  • Explanation of the task 

Reflections

Outcomes

  • It was clear that the students who were worried about taking part in an oral discussion in English felt more comfortable formulating their thoughts in writing and then presenting their ideas in English afterwards. This strategy increased student engagement and participation.  

  • The Padlet created a space in which students could participate actively and contribute to discussions. Padlet is also easy to prepare and use.     

Challenges

  • The students were not keen to share their nuggets of wisdom with others. 

  • The written discussion can be more limited than an oral discussion.   

Advices for other educators

  • It’s important that you only use Padlet (and other educational IT tools) when it is relevant to the task and the learning outcome. This will help the students understand why the teacher chose this particular tool. 

  • Consider using Padlet when you need to be able to document and save the students’ input.  

Basic information

Educator Christina Uldum
Faculty and department BSS, Department of Business Development and Technology 
Degree programme Bachelor's Degree Programme in Economics and Business Administration
Level of study Bachelor
Course/subject Global Buying Behaviour
Number of students 60
Extent Activity, 30 minutes
Teaching format Classroom teaching

Links and materials

Guide to Padlet

Christina Uldum


Contact

Revised 16.04.2026