How can I help my students develop the skills they need to participate in a discussion?

I know that many of the NB certificates require the students to engage in a discussion.  This was a challenge in my classroom because the students did not know how to carry on a conversation.  I had to back up and teach the aspects of a discussion before I could include discussions in my lessons.  

Recently Dr. Allen Mendler posted a blog on Edutopia entitled "Teaching Your Students How to Have a Conversation".  I thought I would share the link in case some of you are struggling with discussions in your classroom.  

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teaching-your-students-conversation-allen-mendler