This is the 9404th most frequent French word.
discutant
Someone who discusses or debates.
Here, 'discutant' is used as a present participle to express the action of discussing that is happening simultaneously with the main verb 'ai appris' (I learned).
En discutant avec mes collègues, j'ai appris beaucoup de nouvelles idées.
While discussing with my colleagues, I learned many new ideas.
In this case, 'discutant' functions as part of a progressive construction, indicating that the professor's action is happening at the moment under discussion.
Le professeur était discutant des principes fondamentaux devant les étudiants.
The professor was discussing fundamental principles in front of the students.
Here, 'discutant' serves as a present participle indicating the manner in which the action (better understanding) was achieved.