Discussions

How to write discussions

A discussion, as part of an investigation report, demonstrates student learning about the method used in the investigation including validity and reliability, the aspects that were good and the aspects that may have been improved. The discussion usually includes an explanation of what has been found – the results – and how these relate to current understandings about the phenomenon being investigated.

The ‘evaluation’ part of an investigation report demands higher-order thinking and may be quite challenging for students to complete at anything above a superficial level. A concluding statement usually completes a discussion.

The Board of Studies Assessment Resources Centre (ARC) web site has an annotated student work sample of a report in which the student has reflected and suggested improvements on an activity to make an electric fan.