Across the year, our cohort chose to push the bar on what student-led discussions looked like in our K-12 classrooms, and to explore different techniques and approaches that were effective for distinct purposes. According to Doug Fisher, Nancy Frey and Carol Rothenburg, in their text Content-Area Conversations, “Oral language is the foundation of literacy, and as such, it requires focused attention in planning.” Our cohort applied their focus, creativity, listening, and care to the various types of discussions unfolding in their classrooms, and to the changes in outcomes and engagement for their students. We hope that the sharing of these strategies is helpful to all; you know that your students have so much to offer, but might need more clear scaffolds and different grouping approaches, or any other tools we offer here.
School Year: