Grades 6-12 teachers and leaders
The Discussion Project, designed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a professional learning course for teachers leading classrooms in grades 6-12. It teaches the skills and strategies to manage classroom discussion in a charged educational environment.
Build new skills and techniques with your peers. Create a more engaged classroom.
The Discussion Project’s courses for teachers leading classrooms in grades 6-12 provides techniques to implement high quality classroom discussion. K12 teaching experts deliver research-based, in-depth, learn-by-doing training so that teachers can foster and manage classroom discussions to improve learning. School districts, schools and departments understand that these discussion skills are not only effective, but essential to engaging students in critical thinking and developing a deeper understanding of course content.
Enroll with your department
Online courses designed for dedicated teams, departments and school districts.
Learn alongside your colleagues and peers with courses designed to meet the needs of your teams. Online courses are delivered through seven 2-hour sessions.
Learn alongside your peers and team
In-person courses designed for dedicated teams, departments and school districts.
Collaborate with your peers in courses designed to meet the needs of your teams. This interactive, learn-by-doing coursework is taught over three days.
Research-based, interactive course led by K12 expert teachers.
Specialized discussion pedagogy for teachers in grades 6-12
Taught interactively by expert teachers, The Discussion Project provides research-based and classroom-proven strategies to improve discussions. High quality classroom discussion helps students better learn course content, improve communication skills, and prepare for opportunities beyond middle and high school.
Learn new skills to foster and manage classroom discussion in a charged educational environment.
Improve your students' academic performance.
Engage with students in new ways that lead to improved communication and discussion.
Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate that builds trust among students and is conducive to high quality discussion.
Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills and that prepare them for life beyond middle and high school.
Specialized discussion pedagogy for teachers in grades 6-12
Taught interactively by expert teachers, The Discussion Project provides research-based and classroom-proven strategies to improve discussions. High quality classroom discussion helps students better learn course content, improve communication skills, and prepare for opportunities beyond middle and high school.
Learn new skills to foster and manage classroom discussion in a charged educational environment.
Improve your students' academic performance.
Engage with students in new ways that lead to improved communication and discussion.
Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate that builds trust among students and is conducive to high quality discussion.
Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills and that prepare them for life beyond middle and high school.
Research-based, interactive course led by K12 expert teachers.
TESTIMONIALS
What our professional learners say
Susan Gevelber
Social Studies Teacher (Retired), Madison Metropolitan School District
“The Discussion Project affirmed the discussion practices I’ve used in my high school classroom for over two decades, but also taught me new techniques that I used right away! While reinforcing that student learning happens during discussion, TDP also helped me fully understand the power of discussion as an equity strategy. Exchanging ideas with like-minded professionals was truly beneficial because I thought about using discussions in non-traditional moments. The workshop also gave me time (and feedback) to improve discussion strategies I already use in my classroom. I loved the instructors’ humor and passion, the hands-on learning, the community connection and the powerful techniques I learned. Thanks for a great professional development experience!”
Carla Cariño
Teacher, Denver Public Schools
“The Discussion Project helped me evolve my use of classroom discussion strategies in ways that are more equitable and engaging for students. The training also modeled a variety of uses for discussion ranging from quick check ins to longer, more in depth discussion practices. The benefits of discussion in high school classrooms lead to benefits of other skills like reading, writing, presenting, contributions to the classroom community and more. Thank you for leading this important work for high school teachers.“
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.