Guide to Deeper Discussions
Deeper Discussions in World History | CC BY-NC-ND 4.0Guide to the Deeper Discussions Teacher Professional Development Modules The Deeper Discussions Teacher Professional Development (PD) video modules support you in bringing more meaningful student discussion into your history classroom. Narrated by Dr. Abby Reisman, a leading expert on discussion in history education, these modules combine research-informed insights with real-world advice from teachers working in Title I public high schools across the country. You can watch the modules in order or jump in and out to view the ones that fit your current needs, and follow along withthese companion slides. ●Social studies leaderscan integrate specific modules into department professional learning communities (PLCs), PD days, or new teacher induction programs to anchor collaborative discussions. ●University professorscan likewise incorporate them into their pre-service teacher coursework. ●If you are an independent history teachertackling this on your own, we recommend pacing yourself: watch Modules 1 and 2 before the school year begins or before you implement historical discussions, and return to Module 3 once you have settled into the rhythm of facilitating discussions.Overview of PD Modules:Module 1: Introduction to Deeper Discussions(20 minutes) shares what research says about the value of discussion,serves as an introduction to the Deeper Discussions lessons, and invites you to reflect on your own discussion facilitation mindset. Module 2:Preparingand Teaching a Deeper Discussions Lessonsupports you in implementing a Deeper Discussions lesson from start to finish. Its sub-modules cover everything from selecting a discussion structure, establishing norms and goals, using effective facilitation moves, supporting student reflection, and deciding whether and how to assign grades for the discussion. ●2.1 -Choosing the Discussion Structure That Best Fits Your Students & Goals(7 minutes) ●2.2 -Preparing Students for Discussion by Setting Norms & Expectations(12 minutes) ●2.3 -Practical Strategies for Facilitating Discussions(10 minutes) ●2.4 -Helping Students Reflect on their Discussion Participation(4 minutes) ●2.5 -Assessing Discussion(7 minutes)
Deeper Discussions in World History | CC BY-NC-ND 4.0Module 3:Reflecting and Iterating on Discussion(12 minutes) encourages a cycle of continuous improvement, providing a post-discussion reflection protocolthat helps you look back at how your last discussion went, pinpoint what worked, and set actionable goals for your next discussion.The creation of these materials was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R305A220457 to Digital Promise. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute orthe U.S. Department of Education.