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
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 facilitators who specialize in discussion pedagogy, the course is highly experiential and provides strategies that are adaptable for and implementable.
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
University, college, or department: When a university, college, or department hosts a course for its own staff, the cost is $1,000 per participant for the first 20 attendees and $800 for attendees 21-35.
Universities and colleges (multiple institutions): When multiple institutions of higher education 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 or open enrollment 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
Learning Objectives
- Understand how the characteristics of online communication affect discussion and classroom climate and account for these in discussion plans.
- Take responsibility for creating an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion by implementing strategies that engage all students.
Activities
- Rank Order Partner Discussion: Characteristics of Online Learning
Course Overview & Learning Methods - The Last Word Protocol on Qualitative Data Set: What type of environment do students need in order to thrive in classroom discussion?
Module 2
Defining Discussion
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish between discussion and other forms of student talk/interaction.
- Learn how to structure online discussion.
Activities
- Defining Student Talk and Discussion
- Structured Academic Controversy on Grading Discussion
Module 3
Structuring Discussion & Crafting Questions
Learning Objectives
- Take responsibility for creating an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion by implementing strategies that engage all students.
- Learn how to structure online discussion.
Activities
- Jigsaw Discussion: Students’ Experiences of Equity
- Crafting Questions Activity
Module 4
Whole Class Facilitation
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to structure online discussion.
- Effectively plan, implement, and reflect on discussion plans.
Activities
- Small Group Brainstorm: Reasons for / Challenges of Whole Class Interactions
- Whole Class Discussion: Grading Discussion
- Ping Pong Share: Facilitation Techniques
Module 5
Planning & Assessing Discussion
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to structure online discussion.
- Effectively plan, implement, and reflect on discussion plans.
Understand the purposes of assessment in and for discussion.
Activities
- Snowball Discussion on Example Discussion Plan
- Discussion Sandwich on Assessment
Module 6
Critiquing Discussion Plans
Learing Objectives
- Learn how to structure online discussion
- Effectively plan, implement, and reflect on discussion plans
Activiites
- Partner share on planning
- Critique of discussion plans
- Debrief & application
Module 7
Maintaining Community
Learning Objectives
- Take responsibility for creating an equitable and inclusive classroom climate conducive to high quality discussion by implementing strategies that engage all students
- Learn how to structure online discussion
Activities
- Equity & inclusion case study discussions
- Recipe for classroom discussion activity
Seeking to improve your institution's reputation for excellence in academic performance? Foster high-quality discussions.
Create a more engaging higher educational experience
Discussion pedagogy designed to help institutional leaders and instructors create a more engaged classroom and improve academic performance.
Build more inclusive classroom communities to enhance learning
Improve student and instructor engagement and retention
Build institutional reputation for teaching quality
Strengthen departmental profiles
Promote and increase job satisfaction for instructors
TESTIMONIALS
What our professional learners say
Gil Nathanson
Professor of Chemistry, UW-Madison
“I am a chemistry professor who was just preparing to teach a 20 person graduate class when I participated in the Discussion Project. For the first time in my three decade career, I had the opportunity to discuss, debate, and revel in ideas presented by a wide swath of teachers across the university. I was startled by the originality and freshness of the suggestions, many of which can be translated to teaching science. I would gladly recommend the Discussion Project to all who are interested, even if you are an instructor in a large class.”
Brandon Bloch
Assistant Professor of History, UW-Madison
“Thanks so much for sending along this explanation, and for your coaching throughout the instructional consultations. I found the Discussion Project to be such a productive and eye-opening experience, and I’ll definitely recommend it to my colleagues. I’m already finding ways to apply the methodologies we discussed to my teaching.”
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.