Classroom Discussion

January 16, 2017

Do Now: Chalk Talk - Megan

A chalk talk is a simple procedure to promote discussion and awareness of issues. A chalk talk is also an
excellent way to promote awareness of patterns and problems, and to ensure that all voices are heard.

What is robust classroom discussion?

http://en.linoit.com
http://linoit.com/users/MCerbins/canvases/Space%20and%20Weather%20Inquiry
Use the post-it notes on your desk to write as many ideas as you can about what makes up a robust classroom
discussion. Put 1 idea on each post-it note. When you are done, bring your post-it notes up to the board for
a Chalk-Talk.

Agenda:
Do Now: Chalk Talk
Objectives & Agenda
What is robust classroom discussion?
Video
Fishbowl
Classroom Action Plan

Jigsaw: Effective Classroom Discussions [Article]

Read your assigned section of the text. As you read, reflect on how teachers can foster a climate where
students feel safe and empowered to engage in classroom discussions.
After reading, discuss the following questions in your group: What role must the teacher play? What role
must the student play? What are some challenges that you anticipate could arise?

Silent Dialogue
A Gallery Walk involves stations or posters are set up around the classroom, on the walls or on tables. Small
groups of students travel from station to station together, performing some kind of task or responding to a
prompt, either of which will result in a conversation.
As you walk around the room, respond to the prompts, statistics, and/or quotes provided. You can:
add your own thoughts,
build on the thoughts of someone else,
agree/disagree with someone else, or
ask a clarifying question

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January 16, 2017

Fishbowl Discussion
The fishbowl is a teaching strategy that helps students practice being contributors and listeners in a
discussion. Students ask questions, present opinions, and share information when they sit in the fishbowl
circle, while students on the outside of the circle listen carefully to the ideas presented and pay attention to
process. Then the roles reverse. This strategy is especially useful when you want to make sure all students
participate in the discussion, when you want to help students reflect on what a good discussion looks like,
and when you need a structure for discussing controversial or difficult topics. Fishbowls make excellent
pre-writing activities, often unearthing questions or ideas that students can explore more deeply in an
independent assignment.
Discussion Question:Should Tablets Replace Textbooks in K-12 Schools?
Self-Assessment: Circle the number that best describes your participation in the fishbowl discussion. Be
prepared to back up your score with specific evidence from the discussion.
Notes:

Partner Assessment: Circle the number that best describes your partners participation in the fishbowl
discussion. Be prepared to back up your score with specific evidence from the discussion.

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Notes:

Teach-OK
One of Whole Brain Teachings foundational techniques is Teach-OK, a peer teaching strategy that begins with
the teacher spending a few minutes introducing a concept to the class. Next, the teacher says Teach!, the class
responds with Okay!, and pairs of students take turns re-teaching the concept to each other. Its a bit like
think-pair-share, but its faster-paced, it focuses more on re-teaching than general sharing, and students are
encouraged to use gestures to animate their discussion.

Classroom Discussion Action Plan

Reflect on your teaching style, classroom culture, and specific students. Create an action plan for how you
will incorporate more meaningful discussion in your classroom this month.
1. What is one specific thing you will implement in your classroom in the next week?

2. What questions do you still have? Please write on a post-it note so we can follow up in the future.

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January 16, 2017

Check out the Seton Teacher Resource page!

In the Classroom folder, we have included samples of:
Sentence stems
Discussion bookmarks
Discussion rubrics
Bank of discussion strategies including but limited to the ones we practiced today
Links to videos you can watch and/or show your class