About The Discussion Project
Focused on discussion pedagogy
The Discussion Project is a professional learning course for teachers leading classrooms in grades 6-12 and college instructors. Developed by leading educators at the University of Wisconsin- Madison and the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, The Discussion Project teaches instructors to design and facilitate high quality classroom discussion.
High quality classroom discussion engages students in critical thinking and leads to a deeper understanding of course content. It requires students to inquire, listen to others, consider different perspectives, think critically, and deepen learning.
Grounded in research
The research and development has been funded by a $1mm grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and further investment by University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Experienced leadership team
The Discussion Project is led by Diana Hess, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an expert in discussion pedagogy and civic education.
The project’s team of curriculum writers and instructors have deep expertise in classroom instruction and discussion design. Their combined educational experiences structure and support this program in ways that help teachers uniquely enhance their pedagogical practice.
Coursework and instruction
The Discussion Project can be delivered either online or in-person.
Coursework is continuously improved through research, and participants can expect to learn skills and strategies delivered by experts to foster high-quality discussion in their classrooms and at their institutions.
Experienced leadership team
The Discussion Project is led by Diana Hess, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an expert in discussion pedagogy and civic education.
The project’s team of curriculum writers and instructors have deep expertise in classroom instruction and discussion design. Their combined educational experiences structure and support this program in ways that help teachers uniquely enhance their pedagogical practice.
Coursework and instruction
The Discussion Project can be delivered either virtually or in-person. Each approach is optimized for its audience and the teaching environment.
Coursework is continuously improved through research and participants can expect to learn transformational skills and strategies delivered by experts to foster high-quality discussion in their classrooms and at the institutions.
TESTIMONIALS
What our professional learners say
Kruthika Kamath
Doctoral student, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, UW-Madison
“I would say that this course not only helps you how to conduct an effective and engaged discussion, but also how to be an effective and respectful discussion participant.”
Maura Snyder
Lecturer, Communication Science, UW-Madison
“I wanted to send a quick thank you for your wonderful facilitation of the Discussion Project!! It was so wonderful to be in a (virtual) room with so many colleagues that enjoy and value teaching! These spaces can feel hard to come by, so your creation and facilitation did not go unnoticed. I have a whole new toolbox of skills to dig into and I can’t wait to start teaching again.”
Ready to have a discussion?
Submit your information for a personalized course walk-through with The Discussion Project team to better understand how it can support the growth of your instructors, departments, and institution.