Unit Introduction
Using Inquiry Based Practices to Improve Student Discourse
Opening Discussion:
Answering the prompt, provide a response to the following focus question:
Have you ever considered what elements make a good classroom discussion?
How would you describe a good discussion using only three words? Keep those three words available and we will revisit those at the end of the mini-course.
Rationale:
Our expectations for full class discussion is one for the movies. Where students are actively engaged in a riveting discussion generated and facilitated by the lead actor or actress. We think if we use the same techniques it will work for us as well. But, we know that this is not true, because teaching is an art. We need to cultivate our practices and learn new strategies to support students. If our goal is to support scholars in development of soft skills. They too need to practice. This mini-course is designed to give teachers some connections between good discussions and student inquiry.
Curriculum Map:
Lesson 1: Reviewing Advanced Literacies - Foundations for the Importance of Classroom Discussions
Lesson 2: Shifts in Classroom Discussions - Building Self-Efficacy in Student Discussion
Lesson 3: Spirit of Inquiry - Types of Inquiry and Their Uses