Expanding questioning & discussion
February 8 - May 9
February 8 - May 9
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.
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. Throughout this course, you'll discover how to:
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:
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ. |
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Each module will include the following elements:
Introduction to Questioning & DiscussionUnpacking the criteria for effective questioning and discussion — question prompts, discussion techniques, and student participation. Digging Deeper: Questions that Provoke DiscussionAll 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 PairsStrategies 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 StartersIt'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 CardsIntroducing 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 TalksExpanding our strategies to include text-based discussions, which are relevant for all content areas. Save the Last Word for MeExploring another text-based discussion protocol that is applicable for all grades K-12, and across content areas. The Four A'sUnpacking 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 DebateWe'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 SeminarExploring the Socratic Seminar, which is often seen as the gold standard for whole class discussions. Final Reflections & ClosingPutting each of our strategies in perspective, and exploring ways to replicate successful discussions, or revise practices to experience more favorable outcomes. Amplifying Our LearningGoing 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. |
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.
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.
Is there a New Teacher Network membership discount available for this opportunity?
Yes! Current NTN members can receive access to this course for free. To receive your membership discount code, you'll need to contact ntn@tc.edu so that your 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:
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.
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 February 28, 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, we will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
If you choose to cancel your registration, we 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.
If you register before February 8, you can expect to receive the invitation by the time the course begins.
If you register after February 8, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 business hours of registration.
- 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 February 8, you can expect to receive the invitation by the time the course begins.
If you register after February 8, 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:
*Must be completed to earn all CTLEs
- 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 — May 9, 2021 at 11:59pm.
