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Pam Grossman
and
Lisa M. Barker
This course offers strategies that can lead to richer, more productive, whole-class discussions in their classrooms. Focusing on how to prepare for discussion, this course is for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or is interested in how teachers lead discussion.
Read more
This course offers strategies that can lead to richer, more productive, whole-class discussions in their classrooms. Focusing on how to prepare for discussion, this course is for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or is interested in how teachers lead discussion.
Read more
This course offers strategies that can lead to richer, more productive, whole-class discussions in their classrooms. Focusing on how to prepare for discussion, this course is for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or is interested in how teachers lead discussion.
Across the 4 sessions in this course, we’ll learn more about what teachers and students need to do to prepare for rich discussions, including understanding:
1. What is (and isn't) discussion, and why discussion is important
2. How teachers set goals for discussion, and establish explicit norms that support these objectives
3. How teachers select texts and prepare text-based questions to guide the conversation
4. How teachers – based on these goals, norms, texts, and questions – then prepare students for the whole-class discussion
The course consists of short videos interspersed with various thinking tasks—such as reflecting on videos of classroom discussions in action, and designing and receiving peer feedback on aspects of a Discussion Plan, a plan for a discussion you’ll lead in your own classroom.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/jy0rid/orchestrating
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What's inside
Syllabus
What is discussion? Why discuss?
Setting Goals and Establishing Norms for Discussion
Preparing a Text for Discussion
Read more
Syllabus
What is discussion? Why discuss?
Setting Goals and Establishing Norms for Discussion
Preparing a Text for Discussion
Read more
Preparing Students for Discussion
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Class discussions develop learner communication skills, build classroom community, and are integral parts of a productive learning environment
Develops skills and understanding that directly support a learner's ability to lead class discussions
Provides practical strategies for leading effective whole-class discussions
Covers a full range of topics related to leading discussions, from setting goals to preparing students
Provides opportunities for learners to reflect on their own discussion-leading skills and receive feedback from peers
Taught by instructors with extensive experience in leading and researching discussions
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Reviews summary
Orchestrating classroom discussion
Learners say that this well-structured course is inspiring and transforms their teaching. They find the sample clips and resources very helpful. Deadlines may need to be reset due to lack of peer reviewers.
This course offers great resources.
"inspiring, well-structured course with excellent resources"
There may be technical issues with not enough peer reviewers and resetting deadlines.
"Submitted before the deadline, but there are not enough peers to review submissions."
"Resetting deadlines (as suggested ) is not working."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion with these
activities:
Review vocabulary
Show steps
Refresh your vocabulary skills to enhance your participation and understanding in class discussions.
Show steps
-
Revisit basic vocabulary terms related to discussion and critical thinking.
-
Practice using these terms in sentences.
-
Engage in mock discussions with a peer or tutor to test your comprehension.
Review key discussion concepts
Show steps
This course is focused on leading and participating in class discussions. Reviewing key concepts can help make sure you come prepared.
Browse courses on
Discussion
Show steps
-
Reread course description
-
Read articles and blog posts about discussion best practices
-
Watch videos of effective discussions
-
Summarize your findings
Discussion Plan Template
Show steps
Develop a structured lesson plan to guide and enhance classroom discussions.
Show steps
-
Establish learning goals and objectives.
-
Select appropriate texts and resources.
-
Design discussion questions and activities.
-
Incorporate strategies to foster student engagement.
-
Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and make adjustments as needed.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice leading a discussion
Show steps
This course emphasizes the importance of preparation when leading a discussion. Practicing your facilitation skills can help you prepare for your own discussions.
Show steps
-
Find a short article or video
-
Develop a discussion plan
-
Practice leading the discussion with a friend or family member
-
Reflect on your experience
Discussion Leadership Exercise
Show steps
Facilitate a mock class discussion to hone leadership skills in a controlled environment.
Show steps
-
Prepare discussion topic and questions.
-
Set up a mock classroom setting.
-
Lead the discussion.
-
Reflect on and evaluate performance.
Analyze sample discussions
Show steps
Enhance your ability to identify effective discussion strategies and patterns by analyzing recorded or transcribed discussions.
Show steps
-
Identify and note the strengths and weaknesses of different discussion approaches.
-
Consider the roles of participants, the flow of ideas, and the overall effectiveness of the discussion.
-
Reflect on your observations and consider how to apply these insights to your own discussions.
Develop a discussion plan
Show steps
The course provides guidance on how to prepare for a discussion, including setting learning objectives and establishing ground rules. Creating a discussion plan forces you to apply these concepts.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic for discussion
-
State your learning objectives
-
Establish ground rules
-
Develop a list of discussion questions
-
Plan for student engagement
Develop discussion questions
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of course materials and discussion topics by crafting well-thought-out questions that guide meaningful conversations.
Show steps
-
Review the assigned texts or course materials thoroughly.
-
Identify key concepts, arguments, and ideas that could spark productive discussions.
-
Draft open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking, exploration, and diverse perspectives.
-
Consider the potential follow-up questions and alternative viewpoints that may arise from your prompts.
-
Share your questions with a peer or the instructor for feedback and refinement.
Peer feedback on discussion plans
Show steps
The course encourages discussion of your work with colleagues. This will provide valuable feedback to improve the quality of your discussion plans.
Show steps
-
Exchange discussion plans with a peer
-
Provide feedback on each other's plans
-
Revise your discussion plan based on feedback
Engage in simulated discussions
Show steps
Gain practical experience in leading and participating in discussions by engaging in simulated scenarios with peers.
Show steps
-
Divide into small groups and assign roles (e.g., discussion leader, active participant, observer).
-
Select a topic or scenario related to course content.
-
Facilitate and participate in the discussion, practicing effective communication, critical thinking, and active listening.
-
Reflect on the discussion and identify areas for improvement.
-
Provide constructive feedback to peers.
Create a discussion portfolio
Show steps
Synthesize your learning and track your progress by compiling a portfolio of discussion-related materials.
Show steps
-
Collect your written discussion questions, notes from class discussions, and any other relevant materials.
-
Organize these materials into a portfolio or folder for easy access.
-
Reflect on your discussions and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
-
Use your portfolio to prepare for upcoming discussions and assessments.
Design a discussion guide
Show steps
Enhance your planning and facilitation skills by designing a comprehensive guide for a class discussion.
Show steps
-
Clearly define the learning objectives and goals of the discussion.
-
Develop a sequence of discussion questions that scaffold student learning and encourage active participation.
-
Include strategies for fostering a respectful and inclusive discussion environment.
-
Consider potential student responses and prepare follow-up questions to deepen the discussion.
-
Share your guide with the instructor for feedback and refinement.
Review vocabulary
Show steps
Refresh your vocabulary skills to enhance your participation and understanding in class discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit basic vocabulary terms related to discussion and critical thinking.
- Practice using these terms in sentences.
- Engage in mock discussions with a peer or tutor to test your comprehension.
Review key discussion concepts
Show steps
This course is focused on leading and participating in class discussions. Reviewing key concepts can help make sure you come prepared.
Browse courses on
Discussion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reread course description
- Read articles and blog posts about discussion best practices
- Watch videos of effective discussions
- Summarize your findings
Discussion Plan Template
Show steps
Develop a structured lesson plan to guide and enhance classroom discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Establish learning goals and objectives.
- Select appropriate texts and resources.
- Design discussion questions and activities.
- Incorporate strategies to foster student engagement.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and make adjustments as needed.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice leading a discussion
Show steps
This course emphasizes the importance of preparation when leading a discussion. Practicing your facilitation skills can help you prepare for your own discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a short article or video
- Develop a discussion plan
- Practice leading the discussion with a friend or family member
- Reflect on your experience
Discussion Leadership Exercise
Show steps
Facilitate a mock class discussion to hone leadership skills in a controlled environment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare discussion topic and questions.
- Set up a mock classroom setting.
- Lead the discussion.
- Reflect on and evaluate performance.
Analyze sample discussions
Show steps
Enhance your ability to identify effective discussion strategies and patterns by analyzing recorded or transcribed discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and note the strengths and weaknesses of different discussion approaches.
- Consider the roles of participants, the flow of ideas, and the overall effectiveness of the discussion.
- Reflect on your observations and consider how to apply these insights to your own discussions.
Develop a discussion plan
Show steps
The course provides guidance on how to prepare for a discussion, including setting learning objectives and establishing ground rules. Creating a discussion plan forces you to apply these concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic for discussion
- State your learning objectives
- Establish ground rules
- Develop a list of discussion questions
- Plan for student engagement
Develop discussion questions
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of course materials and discussion topics by crafting well-thought-out questions that guide meaningful conversations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the assigned texts or course materials thoroughly.
- Identify key concepts, arguments, and ideas that could spark productive discussions.
- Draft open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking, exploration, and diverse perspectives.
- Consider the potential follow-up questions and alternative viewpoints that may arise from your prompts.
- Share your questions with a peer or the instructor for feedback and refinement.
Peer feedback on discussion plans
Show steps
The course encourages discussion of your work with colleagues. This will provide valuable feedback to improve the quality of your discussion plans.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Exchange discussion plans with a peer
- Provide feedback on each other's plans
- Revise your discussion plan based on feedback
Engage in simulated discussions
Show steps
Gain practical experience in leading and participating in discussions by engaging in simulated scenarios with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Divide into small groups and assign roles (e.g., discussion leader, active participant, observer).
- Select a topic or scenario related to course content.
- Facilitate and participate in the discussion, practicing effective communication, critical thinking, and active listening.
- Reflect on the discussion and identify areas for improvement.
- Provide constructive feedback to peers.
Create a discussion portfolio
Show steps
Synthesize your learning and track your progress by compiling a portfolio of discussion-related materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect your written discussion questions, notes from class discussions, and any other relevant materials.
- Organize these materials into a portfolio or folder for easy access.
- Reflect on your discussions and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Use your portfolio to prepare for upcoming discussions and assessments.
Design a discussion guide
Show steps
Enhance your planning and facilitation skills by designing a comprehensive guide for a class discussion.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Clearly define the learning objectives and goals of the discussion.
- Develop a sequence of discussion questions that scaffold student learning and encourage active participation.
- Include strategies for fostering a respectful and inclusive discussion environment.
- Consider potential student responses and prepare follow-up questions to deepen the discussion.
- Share your guide with the instructor for feedback and refinement.
Career center
Learners who complete Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Classroom Teacher
Classroom Teacher
The course Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for teachers to lead richer, more productive discussions. Classroom Teachers engage in ongoing training to improve their instructional skills, and engaging effectively with students during discussions can lead to positive learning outcomes. This course can help Classroom Teachers improve their ability to facilitate discussions and enhance their teaching practice.
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coach
The course Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion offers strategies for leading effective discussions. Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practices, and supporting teachers in facilitating discussions can contribute to student learning. This course can help Instructional Coaches develop the skills to guide teachers in planning and leading discussions, ultimately enhancing student engagement and understanding.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for planning and facilitating effective classroom discussions. Curriculum Developers are responsible for designing and developing curricula, and understanding how to lead discussions can inform their work. This course can help Curriculum Developers incorporate discussion-based activities into curricula and improve the quality of classroom discussions.
Assessment Specialist
Assessment Specialist
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for assessing student learning through discussions. Assessment Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing assessment systems, and understanding how to lead discussions can inform their work. This course can help Assessment Specialists design assessments that incorporate discussion-based activities and evaluate student participation and understanding in discussions.
Teacher Educator
Teacher Educator
The course Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for effective discussions. Teacher Educators prepare future teachers, and understanding how to lead discussions is essential for preparing effective teachers. This course can help Teacher Educators incorporate discussion-based activities into their training programs and equip future teachers with the skills to lead discussions in their own classrooms.
School Administrator
School Administrator
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for leading effective discussions in classrooms. School Administrators are responsible for overseeing the educational program of a school, and understanding how to facilitate discussions can inform their leadership. This course can help School Administrators create a school culture that values discussion and supports teachers in leading effective discussions.
Education Researcher
Education Researcher
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for improving classroom discussions. Education Researchers study the teaching and learning process, and understanding how to facilitate discussions can inform their research. This course can help Education Researchers design studies that investigate the effectiveness of different discussion strategies and contribute to the body of knowledge on classroom discussions.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
The course Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for designing and facilitating effective discussions. Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials, and understanding how to lead discussions can inform their work. This course can help Instructional Designers incorporate discussion-based activities into educational materials and design materials that support effective discussions.
Teacher Librarian
Teacher Librarian
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for leading effective discussions in classrooms. Teacher Librarians collaborate with teachers to integrate library resources and information literacy skills into the curriculum, and understanding how to facilitate discussions can inform their work. This course can help Teacher Librarians support teachers in incorporating discussion-based activities into lessons and provide guidance on using library resources to enhance discussions.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for improving classroom discussions. Educational Consultants provide guidance and support to schools and teachers, and understanding how to lead discussions can inform their work. This course can help Educational Consultants support teachers in planning and leading effective discussions and provide guidance on creating a school culture that values discussion.
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analyst
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for evaluating and improving classroom discussions. Education Policy Analysts research and analyze education policies, and understanding how to lead discussions can inform their work. This course can help Education Policy Analysts evaluate the effectiveness of discussion-based policies and make recommendations for improving the quality of classroom discussions.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for leading effective discussions in community settings. Community Organizers work with communities to address social issues, and understanding how to facilitate discussions can inform their work. This course can help Community Organizers engage community members in discussions, build consensus, and create positive change.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Manager
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for leading effective discussions in nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Program Managers plan and implement programs that serve the community, and understanding how to facilitate discussions can inform their work. This course can help Nonprofit Program Managers engage stakeholders in discussions, build consensus, and achieve program goals.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrator
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for leading effective discussions in higher education classrooms. Higher Education Administrators oversee the academic and administrative operations of colleges and universities, and understanding how to facilitate discussions can inform their leadership. This course can help Higher Education Administrators create a campus culture that values discussion and supports faculty in leading effective discussions.
Education Advocate
Education Advocate
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion provides strategies for promoting the importance of discussion in education. Education Advocates work to improve the quality of education, and understanding how to lead discussions can inform their work. This course can help Education Advocates advocate for policies and practices that support discussion-based learning and provide guidance on how to create a school culture that values discussion.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jy0rid/orchestrating
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on what works in education, and it includes a chapter on the importance of discussion for student learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on how people learn, and it includes a chapter on the importance of discussion for learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of teaching, and it includes a chapter on the importance of discussion for student learning.
Provides a collection of essays on teaching and learning, and it includes a chapter on the importance of discussion for student learning.
Save
Provides a framework for leading effective discussions in the classroom, and it includes tools and resources for teachers to use.
Provides a step-by-step guide to using Socratic questioning to facilitate discussions, and it includes examples of how to use this technique in the classroom.
Provides a set of "talk moves" that teachers can use to facilitate productive mathematical discussions, and it includes examples of how to use these moves in the classroom.
Provides a framework for reflective teaching, and it includes strategies for teachers to use to improve their practice.
Provides a framework for creating a bully-free classroom, and it includes strategies for teachers to use to prevent and respond to bullying.
Provides a framework for understanding how children learn language, and it includes strategies for teachers to use to support students' language development.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jy0rid/orchestrating
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Effort
3-4 weeks of study, 3-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructors
Pam Grossman
Lisa M. Barker
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
Good to know
Class discussions develop learner communication skills, build classroom community, and are integral parts of a productive learning environment
Develops skills and understanding that directly support a learner's ability to lead class discussions
Provides practical strategies for leading effective whole-class discussions
Covers a full range of topics related to leading discussions, from setting goals to preparing students
Provides opportunities for learners to reflect on their own discussion-leading skills and receive feedback from peers
Taught by instructors with extensive experience in leading and researching discussions
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