I have heard the saying that minds can be like parachutes, only operating best when they are open. Open discussions are essential to the learning process as well as personal development. A good discussion brings out various points of view, as well as the reasons behind those views. A good discussion allows each participant to analyze and judge for themselves the content of the information provided without bias. It also provides opportunity for each student to share his or her own opinion. In your classroom when a new concept is introduced there is no telling how many different understandings and interpretations one may have but when you allow open classroom discussion, it births an intellectual challenge; thus allowing the participating students to navigate from previous knowledge to new levels of understanding. You look at classroom discussion as a way to get the students thinking and responsive. I also admire the ways in which you allow the class to challenge theories from the text as well as your own personal conclusions and theories. You challenge us to challenge you with makes the class even more exciting.