Module Overview
This module focuses on the types of conversations that we want students to have in the classroom. Often, classroom talk is centered on the teacher presenting information, the teacher asking quick answer questions, and students answering those questions. When we think about collaborative learning, the goal in these interactions is to have most of the dialogue coming from students as they discuss concepts, express ideas, challenge others’ thinking, and answer deep learning questions presented by the teacher. In this module we will cover topics that will help classrooms change from implementing teacher interactions to implementing learning interactions.
Specifically, we will look at:
I.Types of Talk
II.Encouraging Rich Discourse
III.Managing Discourse
IV.Making Room for Discourse
Through these participants will learn to design lessons that encourage student discourse, implement strategies within those lessons that encourage student discourse, and be able to manage that discourse during lessons.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Participants will be able to implement strategies for encouraging student discourse.
Objective 2: Participants will be able to understand the historical role that language, race, culture, and disability play in students’ comfort level in participating in academic discourse based on past experiences/
Objective 3: Participants will be able to examine their instructional practices to ensure that they are creating a learning space that allows all students to participate in academic discourse in a way and manner that utilizes each person’s assets and is respectful of each person’s approach to communication.
Objective 4: Participants will be able to manage student discourse.
Objective 5: Participants will be able to create lessons that encourage student discourse by engaging students in discussions that are relevant and allow students to bring their own viewpoints, ideas, beliefs, opinions, understandings, and solutions into the discussions.
Impact on Classroom Practice and Student Learning
Upon completing this module, participants will be able to employ strategies that will encourage all students to participate in academic discourse during classroom lessons.
