Engaging Students in Discussions Using Conversation Protocols Dr. Julie Moore Instructional Technology Department Bagwell College of Education

What is a Protocol?

Let’s Discuss! A Modified Microlab Groups of 3 Number off 1, 2, 3 When prompt is given 1 minute of think time Person #1 has one minute to talk Person #2 has one minute to talk Person #3 has one minute to talk Second prompt, start with person #2 and repeat above steps Third prompt, start with person #3 and repeat above steps The Rules: Only the person supposed to be talking talks (no conversations or cross talk) If the person finishes before the minute is up, wait until prompted to move on to next speaker Silence is okay!

How do you use discussion boards in your courses? For what purposes? Prompt 1: How do you use discussion boards in your courses? For what purposes?

What are your best and worst experiences with discussion boards? Prompt 2: What are your best and worst experiences with discussion boards?

What makes for a successful discussion board? Prompt 3 (if used): What makes for a successful discussion board?

What is a Protocol? Comes from K-12 professional learning Structured conversation 4-7 steps Time-bounded Facilitated Focus is on work, not person Ensures equity of voice

Types of Protocols Community Building Text-Based Feedback on Work Observations Dilemmas

Face-to-Face vs. Online Time-bounded Run by facilitator Visual cues Timing: about 1 hour Time-bounded Run by facilitator (instructor) No visual cues Timing: 1-2 weeks (asynchronous)

Online Protocols for Starting Up Example: Postcards from the Edge A Hinting Game Reflection on a Term Postcards from the Edge Fears, Hopes, and Norms Provocative Prompts The Making Meaning Protocol Purpose: Introduce students to one another and course topic Steps: The collection – Instructor collects images The assignment – Pick an image. Ask a question. Ex: How does your image help you think more deeply about ________? Identification – Students explain Reflection – Read others; add a reflection

Online Protocols for Delving In Example: The Four As Save the Last Word for Me The Four A’s Start, Steer, Summarize The Pruning Protocol Mars/Venus Protocol Believing and Doubting Protocol What do I Know? Suspect? Need to Find Out? Purpose: Delve deeply into a text Steps: Preparation – set up separate threads around Four A’s (Author Assumptions, Agree, Argue, Aspire) + Reflection Assignment – Read text. Respond to each of the Four As Reflection: Read others; add a reflection

Online Protocols for Finishing Up Example: Tuning Protocol Tuning Protocol Charrette Protocol Self-Facilitating Seminar Protocol Overcoming Obstacles Success Analysis Protocol The 3 Whats I Used to Think, Now I Think Purpose: Promote refining and finishing up through peer review Steps: Organization – group discussion boards Introduction and Selection Presentation Warm Feedback Cool Feedback Reaction Debrief

Tips Start with a text protocol or a simple protocol with few steps Try it out with others before doing it in class (include debrief) Experiment with a face-to-face small-group assignment Observe others facilitating Look for protocols that serve your purpose Double-check directions: Specific and detailed

Resource Going Online With Protocols (2012) McDonald, Zydney, Dichter, McDonald Teachers College Press