Making Sense of Discussion Types
John Zola
1. It’s assumed that we value student “voice” in our classrooms.
2. Voice allows access to student thinking. It’s also a critical skill for participation in democratic societies.
3. Think of the following as basic “types” for the purpose of comparison. They clearly overlap, share skills, and reinforce each other. Each is a “tool” in our professional toolbox!
SOCRATIC SEMINARS
-a “special occasion” or event with specific setup and planning
-focus is meaning making
-in a circle with name tents
-requires a “text” of some sort
-expectation of preparation/reading of the text in order to participate
-students don’t know teacher questions in advance
-explicit references to text expected
-a “destination” is not defined or expected in terms of meaning
-has a “critique” at the end to share perceptions of the seminar
-often a writing assignment follows for individual meaning
-actual seminar discussion may not be graded
-GOALS ARE AUTHENTICITY AND MEANING MAKING
EVERYDAY OR TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM DISCUSSIONS
-of varying size and done on regular or daily basis
-planned with discussion questions and objectives linked to content outcomes
-usually can participate even if have not done the reading beforehand
-can allow for serendipity and spontaneity in the discussion
-has a direction or “agenda” determined by the teacher
-can be think/pair/share, small groups, large groups
-can be based on a variety of readings or experiences…or on a concept.
-used to debrief other activities and strategies
-might incorporate written reflection
-GOALS ARE SKILL BUILDING, SHARING CONTENT, CHECKING FOR UNDERSTANDING
SCORED DISCUSSIONS
-a periodic performance assessment…an event with advanced preparation
-structured by an agenda provided in advance
-self facilitated by students
-graded by the teacher using a specific rubric; positive and negative points
-students have notes, questions in advance
-format is a “fishbowl” with other students observing
-generally has summarizing follow up assignment
-GOALS ARE FORMAL ASSESSMENT, SHARING CONTENT AND SKILL BUILDING