Keep Them Talking:Designing Effective Discussions Ferlin McGaskey, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, UT-Austin Center for Teaching and Learning

Today’s Goals At the end of this discussion, you will: understand why discussion is important understand steps to planning/implementing discussions consider common barriers to discussion and solutions identify various approaches to class discussion

What influence (if any) do you think classroom discussions had on your learning?

Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (Chickering & Gamson, 1987) 1.Encourages contact between students & faculty* 2.Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students* 3.Encourages active learning* 4.Gives prompt feedback* 5.Emphasizes time on task 6.Communicates high expectations 7.Respects diverse talents and ways of learning* Chickering, A. W. & Gamson, Z. F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE Bulletin. Retrieved from

Let’s Discuss An example of a discussion?

Planning for Discussions Before Class Choose an important topic Develop questions for high level of engagement Open-ended Challenging Determine what prior knowledge is needed Decide the necessary conditions to foster a classroom climate for effective discussion ( What conditions would make it comfortable to engage in discussion in your classroom how do you create them?)

Instructor’s Role and Responsibilities During the Discussion Facilitator Begin by defining the purpose of discussion Use wait time to encourage meaningful responses Guide the discussion Reinforce participation Provide multiple methods of participation Vary discussion strategies End with summary and conclusions

Students’ Role and Responsibilities in Discussion Active Participant Be prepared Listen for understanding Ask questions for clarification Connect previous and current statements Be respectful

Alternatives to Whole Class Discussions Think/Write-Pair-Share Small Group Discussions –Peer Instruction Online Discussions

Think-Pair-Share Identify a challenge you have experienced or you have seen other teachers experience in leading whole-class discussions. How can you address this issue?

Think/Write-Pair-Share Used more for questions without a correct answer Steps: Question posed Students given time to think Students discuss with partners Students selected to report to whole class

Peer Instruction Used for problems with a correct answer Question posed Students given time to think Students record and submit their individual answers Students discuss with neighbors Students record and submit revised group answers Explanation of correct response (and why other responses are incorrect)

How can you ensure that small group discussions promote learning?

Online Discussions Interactive Tools in Blackboard/Canvas (FERPA Compliant – Secure) Discussion Board Blog Wiki 3 rd Party Web Tools (Free) Blogger Tumblr Wikispaces PBWorks WordPress

How can you ensure that online discussions promote learning?

Summary Planned discussion is an effective tool to facilitate deep learning and critical thinking Key components of effective discussions are –Engaging, open-ended questions related to course goals –Classroom climate that is safe, inviting, and non- intimidating –Instructor as facilitator –Student as co-facilitator

Thank you for your attention! Other questions or comments? Did we reach today’s goals? Complete evaluation

References Bennett, J., Hogarth, S., Lubber, F., Campbell, B., & Robinson, A. (2010). Talking science: The research evidence on the use of small group discussions in science teaching. International Journal of Science Education, 32(1), Gritter, K. (2011). Promoting lively literature discussion. The Reading Teacher, 64(6), Green, S. K., Johnson, R. L., Kim, D., Nakia, S. P. (2007). Ethics in classroom assessment practices: Issues and attitudes. Teaching and Teacher Education, 23(7),

Additional Resources – Articles and Books Articles Atwood, S., Turnbull, W. & Carpendale, J.I.M. (2010). The Construction of Knowledge in Classroom Talk, The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 19, pp Rocca, K.A. (2010). Student participation in the College Classroom: An Extended Multidisciplinary Literature Review. Communication Education, 59(2), pp Sidelinger, R.J. & Booth-Butterfield, M. (2010). Co-Constructing Student Involvement: An Examination of Texas Confirmation and Student-to-Student Connectedness in the College Classroom. Communication Education, 59(2), pp Books Hale, M. S. (2006). The teacher's guide to leading student-centered discussions : talking about texts in the classroom. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.

Additional Resources - Websites Becoming a College Teacher How to Conduct Classroom Discussions How to Conduct Classroom Discussions This website provides tips for facilitating discussions and also assesses your understanding. For example, it includes multiple-choice questions to assess your understanding of the purpose of discussions and allows you to rate the skills that students use during discussions. Discussion Skills for Tutorials and Seminars This website developed by the University of South Wales provides information about how discussions promote learning and provides information for students on how to improve their discussion skills. Fostering Effective Classroom Discussions This website discusses the importance of and how to promote discussions in a writing classroom. Guided Discussion in the Classroom This website developed by the Tennessee Teaching and Learning Center provides a variety of suggestions for facilitating effective classroom discussions. Plan Classroom Discussions at Least as Carefully as Lectures University of Wisconsin’s website discusses the importance of discussions and provides tips for facilitating them. Suggestions for Leading Small-group Discussions Iowa State University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning website provides suggestions for leading small group discussions. Tips on Leading Class Discussions Carelton College’s website identifies several important considerations when preparing to lead a discussion. Discussion Skills for Tutorials and Seminars Fostering Effective Classroom Discussions Guided Discussion in the Classroom Plan Classroom Discussions at Least as Carefully as Lectures Suggestions for Leading Small-group Discussions Tips on Leading Class Discussions

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