A Study on the Expression of New Meanings in Group Discussion: An Analysis of Autonomous Discussions among Second Grade Elementary School Students

Abstract

This paper considered a factor behind the new expression of sense-making in group discussions which had not been expressed individually. It analyzed discussions in small groups of second-grade elementary school students under the theme of the invention of the lines for a very short manga. Two groups were first identified which differed in terms of the expression volume of new sense-making while the participating students were highly satisfied with their discussions and then their speeches and descriptions were analyzed and considered. This analysis and consideration suggested a possibility that new sense-making tended to be expressed through the presentation of reference points shared among the participants. Additionally, it is considered that this process would decrease the number of statements to be rejected and accordingly be likely to provide a value to them. It is deemed that the repetition of such sense-making could underpin mutual understanding.