"Chain-Linked" Discussions

Thank you to my colleague, Cynthia Franklin, for this idea. 

Start a chain-linked or "tag-team" discussion by asking one specific question. The first person to respond answers your question, and then he or she must ask a new question for the second person to answer, and so on. Each student has the responsibility to do both--answer a question and think critically enough to apply the content in order to formulate a new question. 

Here's an example:

This week, we learned about the major composers of the 18th century classical period. What newly-developed instrument replaced the harpsichord and what made it different from the harpsichord?

 

Added bonus: Students will quickly figure out the advantage of participating early!