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

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Course overview

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Module 1

Building Online Community

Learning Objectives

  • 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

    Learning Objectives

    • 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

    Learning Objectives

    • 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

    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
    • Practicing Small Group Discussion

    Module 5

    Planning & Assessing Discussion

    Learning Objectives

    • 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
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    Module 6

    Critiquing Discussion Plans

    Learning Objectives

    • Design, implement, and reflect on plans for discussion.

    Activities

    • Partner Share on Planning
    • Critique of Discussion Plans
    • Debrief & Application

    Module 7

    Maintaining Community

    Learning Objectives

    • 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.

    N

    Provide educators with confidence and support to foster and manage classroom discussion in a charged educational environment

    N

    Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion

    N

    Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion

    N

    Distinguish between discussion and other forms of student talk

    N

    Learn to craft questions that foster discussion

    N

    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.

    N

    Provide educators with confidence and support to foster and manage classroom discussion in a charged educational environment

    N

    Create an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion

    N

    Learn different ways to structure and facilitate discussion

    N

    Distinguish between discussion and other forms of student talk

    N

    Learn to craft questions that foster discussion

    N

    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.

    Schedule a consult today