In-person course to build discussion pedagogy skills
The Discussion Project in-person course helps teachers design and implement equitable, inclusive, and engaging discussion in grades 6-12 classrooms.
Discussion pedagogy coursework delivered in-person
The Discussion Project provides highly interactive in-person professional learning for teachers leading classrooms in grades 6-12. Through expert instruction, the course provides research-based techniques to design and implement equitable, inclusive, and engaging classroom discussion.
In-depth learning
This interactive, learn-by-doing coursework is taught over three days. Daily work will last from 8:30am to 4:30pm local time at the institution’s preferred location. The course provides in-depth learning, focused entirely on designing, implementing, and facilitating high-quality classroom discussion.
Instruction and coursework
Taught by expert educators who specialize in discussion pedagogy, the course is highly experiential and provides classroom-tested strategies.
Covid safety
The Discussion Project will adhere to local guidelines with regard to masking and social distancing to create a safe learning environment for participants and our instructors.
Course enrollment and cost
School district or school: When a single school district or school hosts professional development courses for its own staff, the cost is $24,000 for up to 35 participants.
School districts: When multiple school districts collaborate for large-scale professional development sessions, the cost is $1,000 / attendee. Sessions are typically held at a host school district.
Certification
The Discussion Project will provide a Certificate of Completion, which may be used for continuing education credit.
Ready to learn more?
Enroll todayCourse overview
Module 1
Building Community
- Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion.
- Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion.
- Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills.
Activities
- Rank Order Partner Discussion
- Course Overview & Learning Methods
- Circle within a Circle Norms Check-in
- The Last Word Protocol
Module 2
Defining Discussion
- Distinguish between discussion and other forms of student talk.
- Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion.
- Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills.
Activities
- Defining Student Talk and Discussion
- Planning Workshop #1
- Structured Academic Controversy
- Planning Workshop #2
Module 3
Facilitating Whole Class Interactions
- Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion.
- Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills.
Activities
- Reasons for / Challenges of Whole Class Interactions
- Whole Class Discussion
- Facilitation Techniques Posters
Module 4
Structuring Discussion & Crafting Questions
Learning Objectives
- Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion.
- Learn to craft questions that foster discussion.
- Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills.
Activities
- Feedback Fishbowls
- Crafting Questions
Module 5
Planning & Assessment Discussion
- Design, implement, and reflect on plans for discussion.
- Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills.
- Understand the purposes and methods of assessment for improving discussion skills.
Activities
- Designing Discussion Plans
- Planning Workshop #3
- Snowball Discussion
- Assessment Tools Walk & Talk
- Planning Workshop #4
- Practicing Small Group Discussion
Module 6
Critiquing Discussion Plans
- Design, implement, and reflect on plans for discussion.
Activities
- Planning Workshop #5
- Critique of Discussion Plans
- Flowchart Discussion
Module 7
Maintaining Community
- Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion.
- Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion.
Activities
- Equity & Inclusion Case Study Discussions
- Recipe Discussion
Research-based, interactive course taught by K12 expert educators.
Specialized discussion pedagogy for teachers in grades 6-12
Taught interactively by expert teachers, The Discussion Project teaches research-based and classroom-proven strategies to improve discussions and help students better learn course content and communication skills.
Provide educators with confidence and support to foster and manage classroom discussion in a charged educational environment.
Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion.
Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion.
Distinguish between discussion and other forms of student talk.
Learn to craft questions that foster discussion.
Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills.
Specialized discussion pedagogy for teachers in grades 6-12
Taught interactively by expert educators, The Discussion Project teaches research-based and classroom-proven strategies to improve discussions and help students better learn course content and communication skills.
Provide educators with confidence and support to foster and manage classroom discussion in a charged educational environment.
Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion.
Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion.
Distinguish between discussion and other forms of student talk.
Learn to craft questions that foster discussion.
Implement strategies that develop students’ discussion skills.
Research-based, interactive course taught by K12 expert educators.
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.