I am currently studying in US, and the type of .........ion you are talking about is called Socratic seminar.
In our school, almost in every class, socratic seminar is required and is completed almost every two weeks, whether is over a book, an article, a movie or whatever
I really disagree with you saying that its useless, since it really test one's creativity and communication skills.
In a limited time period, while everyone in the group wants to talk, rudeness is unavoidable. I believe you proctor wouldn't care.
What the teachers really want to see is your social skills with others.
