Question

what is the best technique to keep a collaborative discussion on track and make sure that everyone is listening to each other

Answer 1

By taking urns speaking so no one is overlapping each other, making sure that the discussion stays on topic and make sure there are not many distractions in the collaborating room like computers or phones.
Hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

It's not about one technique, but a series of things that you can do to make it possible. If you take turns so nobody will overlap someone else; limit the time in order to get anyone to be able to express themselves; have people compromised to stay on topic and helps steer others to stay on topic; and make sure that there will be nothing considerably distracting, you are on your way to have a pleasant exchange of opinions in a group discussion.