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ABOUT THE COURSE   |   FAQ
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Expanding questioning & discussion
Course opens October 4; content available until December 26
Discussion is an essential component of increasing student engagement, in all content areas. As we navigate multiple paths of instruction — in-person, online, and blended — we will find that traditional approaches to engagement may not create the level of authentic, student-driven discussion that our shifting classrooms require. How can we ensure that all student voices are heard? 

In Keep the Kids Talking, we'll explore the design of rich student-to-student discussions, and demonstrate how to leverage instructional strategies in order to draw out all student voices. Together, we'll unpack elevated questioning and discussion practices to support you in meeting the demands of in-person, hybrid, and remote-only instruction, in addition to teacher evaluation frameworks,  including (but not limited to!) Domain 3b of the Danielson Framework, and Hallmark 4 of NYSED's Hallmarks for Advanced Literacies. 
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Keep the Kids Talking is a 12-week, asynchronous online course. You'll be able to move through this course at your own pace, with no expectation to be online at specific times. 

This course is designed to allow for approximately 2 hours of participation per week. While you can interact with each module as often as you'd like, we find that 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants.
​
What can you expect from the course?

​Throughout this course, you'll discover how to:
  • Identify the components of classroom discussion and the barriers that keep some students from fully engaging in the process
  • Design learning experiences that use targeted questioning and discussion strategies
  • Implement dynamic instructional strategies based on student needs and track progress
  • Engage in a community of other educators who can share ideas and resources
​
Is this course right for you?

Keep the Kids Talking welcomes all K-12 educators, but is best for teachers, administrators, and literacy coaches who want to:
  • Explore how questioning & discussion can increase student and teacher performance
  • Better incorporate questioning and discussion into daily lessons and classroom practices
  • Develop strategies for successful student engagement
  • Generate authentic student discussions in the classroom​​
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ.  ​
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Each module will include the following elements: 
  • Instructional talks: A series of 3-4 short videos that break down the topic, provide examples, pose questions, and invite further reflection.
  • Key resources: Downloadable resources for you to read, review, or use in your instruction.
  • Discussion prompt: Each module will pose a reflection question, which you can respond to using the discussion board. We want to hear from each person in the discussion board at least one time, and want each person to respond to a minimum of 2 other posts. Discussions must be completed in order to earn CTLE credits. 
  • Assignment: Practical, hands-on assignments that will help you implement the content of the module and reflect on your experiences. Assignments must be completed in order to earn CTLE credits. 
Introduction to Questioning & Discussion
Unpacking the criteria for effective questioning and discussion — question prompts, discussion techniques, and student participation.
Digging Deeper: Questions that Provoke Discussion
All about questions that stop conversations, and those that open conversations. What kind of questions do we most often ask?
Two by Two: Accountable Talk in Pairs
Strategies that engage peer-to-peer discussion in pairs. One-on-one conversations between students are easy to implement, and create accountability and engagement for all students.
Prompts & Sentence Starters
It's hard to talk or write when you don't know how to start. This week's focus gives students a framework to organize their thinking. 
Talking & Thinking Cards
Introducing a strategic small group strategy that will help develop your students' skills around careful listening, balance who speaks and when, and give autonomy and voice to the group as a whole.
Ten-Minute Talks
Expanding our strategies to include text-based discussions, which are relevant for all content areas. 
Save the Last Word for Me
Exploring another text-based discussion protocol that is applicable for all grades K-12, and across content areas.
The Four A's
Unpacking a critical discussion-based protocol that challenges students to identify assumptions, agreements, arguments, and aspirations from a reading and provide evidence for their ideas.
Corners & Instant Debate
We've been building a series of protocols to support students to engage in small group discussions. This week, we move away from small groups, and into whole group discussion. 
Socratic Seminar
Exploring the Socratic Seminar, which is often seen as the gold standard for whole class discussions.
Final Reflections & Closing
Putting each of our strategies in perspective, and exploring ways to replicate successful discussions, or revise practices to experience more favorable outcomes. 

Amplifying Our Learning
Going forward, what will you do to design classroom experiences that use questioning and discussion strategies to bring out all student voices? How will you share what you've learned?
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Dr. Sherrish Holloman is a dynamic, self-directed, and trailblazing international education leader. She has a 25-year track record of delivering impactful results in the instructional development and student learning sector. She was as a high school English teacher in Greensboro, North Carolina for seven years before transitioning to a professional development coach in New York City. She served as a district leader for Teacher Support, Recognition and Retention in Memphis, Tennessee and recently spent five years in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, United Arab Emirates where she served as an Education Advisor in their Department of Education and Knowledge. She has successfully developed systemic solutions, improved instruction practices, led teacher retention initiatives, and elevated student outcomes at a national and international scale. She earned her doctorate in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a focus on students' experience of writing with the Student Press Initiative. 
 
Registration
Where do I enter my promo code?
Click the blue text below that says "Enter promo code". Enter your code, and click "Apply". From there, you can continue with your registration as usual.

Promo codes must be entered before you begin registration; there is no option to add it after you click the "Checkout" button. 
 
FAQ
Registration
What are CTLE hours, and should I register for them?
Beginning in 2016, a registered holder of a NYS professional classroom teaching certificate, educational leadership certificate, or Level III teaching assistant certificate is required to successfully complete 100 Continuing Teacher and  Leader Education (CTLE) hours. Teachers College is a state-approved provider of CTLE hours, and participants can earn up to 24 CTLE hours for participating in this opportunity. Participation will be verified before CTLE credits are awarded.

CTLE information must be included on your registration form. If you decline CTLE hours at the time of registration and change your mind afterward, you'll need to contact us prior to the start of this course. Once you begin, we'll be unable to  accommodate new CTLE requests.
Are there any registration discounts available?
Yes! Enter KTKT2021 at the start of registration to receive a discount for this course. Please note that this code is only valid for a limited time.

Current NTN@TC members: your membership discount code is eligible to use for this course. To receive your membership discount code, you'll need to contact ntn@tc.edu so that your NTN@TC membership can be verified. Once it's been verified, you will receive a promo code that will discount your registration 100%. You'll still be required to complete a registration form.
Can I pay for my registration with a purchase order?
Absolutely! Have your school contact cpet@tc.edu to initiate this process.

In your message, please make sure to provide:
  • your school name & address
  • contact information (name & email) for the person who handles POs & payments at your school
  • the number of teachers interested in registering for this opportunity

This information will allow us to provide you with the documentation needed to create a PO. This documentation will include our vendor & DOE contract numbers.

Once we've received a PO, we will provide your school with a promo code to distribute to the teachers they are funding. The promo code will allow you to bypass Eventbrite's payment section, so that there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will still be required to complete a registration form.
I have a promo code — where do I enter it?
Please see the blue text in the registration section that says "Enter promo code". Click that text, enter your code, and click "Apply". From there, you can continue with your registration as usual.
This course has already started. Can I still register?
Yes! You can register through October 24, 2021.
How do I change or cancel my registration?
If you need to change or cancel your registration for any reason, contact us at cpet@tc.edu.
If you choose to cancel your registration, w
e will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
Access & participation
How do I access this course?
Once you've registered, you will receive an email invitation to join our digital platform from Teachers College Canvas. From there, you will be able to set up a username and password.
  • Go to MyTC Portal (my.tc.columbia.edu)
  • Click on the "Non-UNI Canvas Login" link
  • Enter your email and password. If you didn't create one or have forgotten, simply click on the "Forgot Password?" link on the Canvas login page
  • On the Canvas dashboard, accept any course invitations, if prompted
  • You may also access the course on your mobile device through the Canvas Student App​
  • ​Course materials will be accessible immediately following your acceptance of the invitation
​
If you register before the course start date (October 4), you can expect to receive the invitation by the time the course begins.
If you register after the course has already started, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 business hours of registration.
What does a module include?
Each module will include the following elements: 
  • Instructional talks: A series of 3-4 short videos that break down the topic, provide examples, pose questions, and invite further reflection.
  • Key resources: Downloadable resources for you to read, review, or use in your instruction.
  • Discussion prompt*: Each module will pose a reflection question, which you can respond to using the discussion board. We want to hear from each person in the discussion board at least one time, and want each person to respond to a minimum of 2 other posts. 
  • Assignment*: Practical, hands-on assignments that will help you implement the content of the module and reflect on your experiences. 

*Must be completed to earn all CTLEs
How much time will it take me to complete this course?
This course is designed to allow for approximately 2 hours of participation per week. While you can move through the course at your own pace, we find that approximately 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants.
Will I be expected to be online on specific days / at certain times?
No; this course is asynchronous. You can move through each module at your own pace.
This course is open over a scheduled break. What are the instructor’s expectations during break?
Good news! When a course takes place over a school break, instructors do not expect to see assignments or discussions submitted; however, you are welcome to work on the course over break if you’d like. 
How do I earn CTLE credits?
CTLEs are based on participation and completion of the course assignments and discussions (tasks). Completion of a task equals 1 CTLE credit.
Do I need to complete this course by a specific date?
All modules must be completed by the end of the course — December 26, 2021 at 11:59pm. 
CPET
The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University is committed to making excellent and equitable education accessible worldwide. CPET unites theory and practice to promote transformational change. We design innovative projects, cultivate sustainable partnerships, and conduct research through direct and online services to youth and educators. Grounded in adult learning theories, our six core principles structure our customized approach and expand the capacities of educators around the world.

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  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Team
    • Partnerships
    • Signature Initiatives
    • Coaching Philosophy
    • Career Opportunities
  • Upcoming PD
  • K-12 Resources
  • Work with a coach