Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion
This course offers strategies that can lead to richer, more productive, whole-class discussions in their classrooms. Focusing on how to prepare for discussion, this course is for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or is interested in how teachers lead discussion. Across the 4 sessions in this course, we’ll learn more about what teachers and students need to do to prepare for rich discussions, including understanding: 1. What is (and isn't) discussion, and why discussion is important 2. How teachers set goals for discussion, and establish explicit norms that support these objectives 3.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 13 hours
- Course by University of Pennsylvania
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Offered by
About
This course offers strategies that can lead to richer, more productive, whole-class discussions in their classrooms. Focusing on how to prepare for discussion, this course is for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or is interested in how teachers lead discussion. Across the 4 sessions in this course, we’ll learn more about what teachers and students need to do to prepare for rich discussions, including understanding: 1. What is (and isn't) discussion, and why discussion is important 2. How teachers set goals for discussion, and establish explicit norms that support these objectives 3. How teachers select texts and prepare text-based questions to guide the conversation 4. How teachers – based on these goals, norms, texts, and questions – then prepare students for the whole-class discussion The course consists of short videos interspersed with various thinking tasks—such as reflecting on videos of classroom discussions in action, and designing and receiving peer feedback on aspects of a Discussion Plan, a plan for a discussion you’ll lead in your own classroom.Modules
Welcome!
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2
Videos
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2
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Whole Class Discussion Example Review
2
Videos
- Introduction to your course
- Whole Class Discussion Video
2
Readings
- Your first task
- Tell us about you!
What might students learn from discussion?
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3
Videos
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2
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Classroom Discussion Example Review
3
Videos
- Why discuss?
- Debriefing the Non-example
- Classroom Discussion Example
2
Readings
- Whole Class Discussion Non-Example
- Classroom Discussion Example Preview
Into, Through, and Beyond this Course
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1
Videos
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Peer Response Assignment 1
1
Videos
- Into, Through, and Beyond
Module 2 Introduction
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2
Videos
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- The House on Mango Street class discussion
2
Videos
- Session 2 Goals
- A class discussion about the House on Mango Street
1
Readings
- What to consider when watching The House on Mango Street discussion
Determining Your Discussion Goals
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Developing Goals for Whole Class Discussion
1
Videos
- Determining your discussion goals
1
Readings
- Beginning your Discussion Plan Template
Setting Norms for Discussion
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5
Videos
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2
Readings
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1
Discussion
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2
Assignment
2
Assignment
- Post Classroom Norm-Setting Video
- Goal-Specific Norm Setting Video Review
1
Discussions
- Two Norms for Your Class
5
Videos
- Setting Norms for Discussion
- Classroom Norm-Setting
- Debriefing Lily's Norms
- Goal-Specific Norm Setting
- Debriefing the Goal-Specific Norm Setting Video
2
Readings
- Instructions for the Classroom Norm-Setting Video
- Instructions for the Goal-Setting Norms Video
Preparing Texts
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1
Videos
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1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Your Prepared Text
1
Videos
- Preparing Texts
Developing Questions
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1
Videos
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1
PeerReview
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Levels of Questioning
1
Peer Review
- Peer Response #3
1
Videos
- Developing Questions
Anticipation and Practice
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2
Videos
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Post-Example Questions
2
Videos
- An Introduction to Preparing Students
- Discussion Preparation Example
1
Readings
- Preparing for the Classroom Video
Small Group Talk as Preparation
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4
Videos
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Post-Example Questions
4
Videos
- De-briefing the Classroom Example
- Small Group Discussion as Preparation Example
- De-briefing Yvonne's Discussion Preparations
- Example of Partner Talk as Preparation
1
Readings
- Preparing for the Example of Partner Talk as Preparation
Completing your Discussion Plan
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1
Videos
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Completing the "Into" Section of your Discussion Plan
1
Videos
- Debriefing the Partner Talk as Discussion Preparation Example
Conclusion
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Closing Video
1
Readings
- Thank you! (Survey Link)
Auto Summary
"Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion" is a foundational course in the domain of Personal Development, designed to enhance the quality of whole-class discussions in educational settings. This engaging program is tailored for anyone involved in leading classroom discussions or those keen on understanding effective discussion facilitation techniques. Over the span of four comprehensive sessions, participants will delve into the essentials of preparing for and conducting rich classroom discussions. Key focus areas include the importance of discussions, setting clear goals and norms, selecting appropriate texts, and crafting text-based questions to steer meaningful conversations. Additionally, teachers will learn strategies to prepare students to actively participate in these discussions. The course content is delivered through a series of concise videos complemented by interactive thinking tasks. These tasks include analyzing real classroom discussions, creating Discussion Plans, and exchanging constructive feedback with peers. Offered by Coursera, this 780-minute course is available through flexible subscription options—Starter and Professional—catering to various learning needs and professional development goals. Ideal for educators at the foundational level, this course promises to equip you with the tools necessary to foster engaging and productive discussions in your classroom.
Pam Grossman
Lisa M. Barker