Enhance classroom discourse through effective questioning with PLC support Engage students to work with teachers to improve classroom discourse Enhance classroom discourse through effective questioning with PLC support Engage students to work with teachers to improve classroom discourse.

Agree on 1 or 2 strategies per table to share with the whole group. Return to your Discourse Primer- finish discussing Ideas 1, 2, 6, and 3. Individually commit to strategies for enhancing discourse in your own classroom next fall. Agree on 1 or 2 strategies per table to share with the whole group. Return to your Discourse Primer- finish discussing Ideas 1, 2, 6, and 3. Agree on 1 or 2 strategies per table to share with the whole group.

To be proficient in science, students must know, use, and interpret scientific explanations of the natural world generate and evaluate scientific evidence and explanations understand the nature and development of scientific knowledge; and participate productively in scientific practices and discourse

The Role of Talk Children need time to talk, verbally or in writing, yet when time gets short, talk is what is pushed out of the curriculum first. But, for many of us, it is talk that leads to understanding and helps us process what we are learning. Patricia Bloehm Correspondence Journals

Characteristics of Effective Whole Group Discussions The students are seated in a circle facing one another. There is a set of explicit norms and expectations, posted in view of all. There is a natural flow to the conversation with a good deal of student to student interaction. Many students participate: the conversation is not dominated by a single student or by the teacher. The conversation is focused: students linger on a particular idea and make connections to one another’s ideas.

The arrangement of the physical space can affect the quality of discussions. The circle fosters and intimacy and accountability to the group that cannot be achieved when students are spread throughout the classroom. When teachers join the circle, it becomes easier for them to facilitate rather than dominate the discussion.

Classroom Conversation Maps

Classroom Conversation Maps

Individually commit to strategies for enhancing discourse in your own classroom next fall and share with PLC on Friday. How will your PLC support you as you embed these ideas of discourse into your classroom practice? How will your PLC support you as you embed these ideas of discourse into your classroom practice?

Note examples of effective discourse strategies during the content immersion and consider how to implement them in your own classroom in the fall. Practice your discourse moves on your table mates as you proceed through the content immersion. Note examples of effective discourse strategies and consider how to implement them in your own classroom in the fall.