Overview of Classroom Discussion

• What are the five phases of a classroom discussion?
• What are the major learner outcomes for classroom discussions?
• What type of learning environment works best for classroom discussions?

Theoretical and Empirical Support

• What relationships exist among language, discourse, and thinking abilities?
• Why is the cognitive social connection important to the understanding of classroom discussions?
• How does the use of different kinds of questions impact different types of student thinking?
• Why is the concept of wait-time important to classroom dialogue?

Planning and Conducting Discussion Lessons

• What are the major planning tasks of preparing for classroom discussion?
• What are the five phases of a discussion? What kinds of teacher behaviors are associated with each?
• What significant variables should teachers consider when choosing a seating plan for discussion?
• What actions can teachers take when conducting discussions to facilitate cultural and gender differences?

Managing the Learning Environment

• What are the key features of the learning environment for classroom discussions?
• What factors should teachers consider when they think about how to assess student learning in classroom discussions?