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

2. What is a Protocol?

3. 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!

4. 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?

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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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