3 Chicago Public Schools Lane Credits
45 Illinois ISBE PD Hours
45 Indiana PGPs
45 Texas CPEs
“Students who don’t participate.” “Students that get off topic.” “Students that dominate every discussion.” “Students that use discussion time to socialize.” “Students that don’t back up their opinions with valid reasons or evidence.” These are the experiences of many teachers in their efforts to foster good classroom discussions. Now more than ever, developing good speaking and listening skills is essential. This course will help teachers eliminate the common pitfalls of classroom discussions and provide useful tools and protocols to make discussion of all kinds a routine in the classroom. Teachers will walk away with strategies for increasing participation in discussions as well as formats for partner, small group and whole group discussions. Students will stay engaged and involved, and become effective and respectful communicators. This standards-aligned course is suitable for 4th through 12th grade teachers across all disciplines.