> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://bigbluebutton.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Facilitate Discussion

> Manage microphones, monitor chat, and handle the raise hand queue for productive class discussions.

Facilitating discussion in a virtual classroom requires active management of multiple communication channels.

## Microphone Management

Control who speaks and when:

* **Mute all** — silence all participants before starting a discussion
* **Unmute selectively** — call on students by unmuting them or asking them to unmute
* **Lock microphones** — prevent viewers from unmuting themselves (useful for large classes)

See [Manage Users](/docs/help/moderator-guide/manage-users) for microphone controls.

## Raise Hand Queue

The raise hand feature creates an orderly discussion flow:

* Students click **Raise Hand** to signal they want to speak
* Raised hands appear in the user list in the order they were raised
* Call on students in order to keep things fair
* Ask students to lower their hand after speaking

See [Raise Hand](/docs/help/user-guide/raise-hand).

<Tip>In large classes, announce "raise your hand if you want to respond" before opening discussion. This prevents everyone from unmuting at once.</Tip>

## Chat Monitoring

Use public chat as a parallel discussion channel:

* Monitor for questions while presenting
* Encourage students to post questions in chat during lectures
* Pause periodically to address chat questions verbally
* Use chat for quick informal polls ("type yes/no in chat")

See [Send Public and Private Chat Messages](/docs/help/user-guide/send-public-and-private-chat-messages).

### Clearing Chat

If the chat becomes too noisy or off-topic, moderators can clear the public chat:

See [Clear the Public Chat](/docs/help/moderator-guide/clear-the-public-chat).

## Discussion Strategies

| Strategy         | How                                  | Best For              |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------ | --------------------- |
| Think-Pair-Share | Breakout rooms → return to main room | Deep discussion       |
| Rapid Response   | Type answers in public chat          | Quick checks          |
| Moderated Q\&A   | Raise hand → unmute → speak          | Formal discussions    |
| Backchannel      | Chat alongside lecture               | Continuous engagement |
| Anonymous Input  | Polls or shared notes                | Sensitive topics      |