Online course to improve discussion pedagogy
The Discussion Project’s online course teaches strategies for designing, implementing, and facilitating synchronous online classroom discussion.
Effective discussion pedagogy delivered online
The Discussion Project Online provides highly interactive online professional learning for teachers and instructional leaders in grades 6-12. Through expert instruction, the course provides research-based techniques to design and implement equitable, inclusive, and engaging classroom discussion, both online and in-person.
In-depth learning
This interactive, learn-by-doing course is delivered online via Zoom in seven 2-hour sessions. Each Zoom session is preceded by an hour of preparatory work. The course provides in-depth learning, focused entirely on designing, implementing, and facilitating synchronous online classroom discussion. The strategies are also applicable to the in-person classroom. *Note: the course does not address asynchronous discussion / discussion boards.
Instruction and coursework
Taught by expert educators who specialize in discussion pedagogy, the course is highly experiential and provides classroom-tested strategies.
Covid safety
Participant safety is important to our team. Online learning serves as a safe professional development opportunity given the pandemic challenges our communities currently face.
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.
Certification
The Discussion Project will provide a Certificate of Completion, which may be used for continuing education credit.
Note: Any cancellations or rescheduling requests for team online courses must be received in writing 48 hours in advance of the scheduled online course start time for a refund. Any requests that come in less than 48 hours in advance will need to contact us to reschedule to attend another online course date/time.
Ready to learn more?
Schedule a consult todayCourse overview
Module 1
Building Online 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
- 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
- Structured Academic Controversy
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
- Ping Pong Share: Facilitation Techniques
Module 4
Structuring Discussion & Crafting Questions
- 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
- Practicing Small Group Discussion
Module 5
Planning & Assessing 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
- Snowball Discussion
- Review Assessment Tools
- Discussion Sandwich on Assessment
Module 6
Critiquing Discussion Plans
- Design, implement, and reflect on plans for discussion.
Activities
- Partner Share on Planning
- Critique of Discussion Plans
- Debrief & Application
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 training led by K12 expert educators.
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
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 training led 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.