Jump-Start Class Discussions

Purpose

To provide students the non-tangible supports they need to build their skills at leading and particpating in academic discussions.

Outcome

Students who have models for academic discussions and increased responsibility and rigor will develop the skills to use discussions as a tool for learning; a new mode of instructional delivery can then be leveraged as students wrestle with content.

Action Steps

  • Teach students to articulate specific questions, rather than to use “fuzzy” or vague questions.
  • Model yourself as a trusting adult and show kindness, honesty, openness, reliability, and professional competence.
  • Balance more challenging or less exciting material by interjecting a game or partner work to enhance interest.
  • Genuinely listen and respond to your student.
  • Use brain breaks.
  • Give students sufficient wait time to answer.

Citations

Finley, Todd. (2016, August 10) Edutopia.org Retrieved August 2021 from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/dialogue-defibrillators-jump-start-classroom-discussions-todd-finley

Are these strategies helpful?