Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion

Instructors: Pam Grossman

Access provided by SR University

4,429 already enrolled

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.6

(34 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.6

(34 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 4 modules in this course

This course offers strategies that can lead to richer, more productive, whole-class discussions in their classrooms. Focusing on how to prepare for discussion, this course is for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or is interested in how teachers lead discussion.

Across the 4 sessions in this course, we’ll learn more about what teachers and students need to do to prepare for rich discussions, including understanding: 1. What is (and isn't) discussion, and why discussion is important 2. How teachers set goals for discussion, and establish explicit norms that support these objectives 3. How teachers select texts and prepare text-based questions to guide the conversation 4. How teachers – based on these goals, norms, texts, and questions – then prepare students for the whole-class discussion The course consists of short videos interspersed with various thinking tasks—such as reflecting on videos of classroom discussions in action, and designing and receiving peer feedback on aspects of a Discussion Plan, a plan for a discussion you’ll lead in your own classroom.

What's included

6 videos4 readings2 assignments1 peer review

6 videosTotal 21 minutes

Introduction to your course3 minutes
Whole Class Discussion Video2 minutes
Why discuss?3 minutes
Debriefing the Non-example3 minutes
Classroom Discussion Example3 minutes
Into, Through, and Beyond5 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Your first task10 minutes
Tell us about you!10 minutes
Whole Class Discussion Non-Example10 minutes
Classroom Discussion Example Preview10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Whole Class Discussion Example Review30 minutes
Classroom Discussion Example Review30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 120 minutes

Peer Response Assignment 1120 minutes

Setting Goals and Establishing Norms for Discussion

What's included

8 videos4 readings3 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

8 videosTotal 27 minutes

Session 2 Goals4 minutes
A class discussion about the House on Mango Street5 minutes
Determining your discussion goals4 minutes
Setting Norms for Discussion4 minutes
Classroom Norm-Setting0 minutes
Debriefing Lily's Norms1 minute
Goal-Specific Norm Setting5 minutes
Debriefing the Goal-Specific Norm Setting Video1 minute

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

What to consider when watching The House on Mango Street discussion10 minutes
Beginning your Discussion Plan Template10 minutes
Instructions for the Classroom Norm-Setting Video10 minutes
Instructions for the Goal-Setting Norms Video10 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

The House on Mango Street class discussion30 minutes
Post Classroom Norm-Setting Video30 minutes
Goal-Specific Norm Setting Video Review30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Developing Goals for Whole Class Discussion60 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Two Norms for Your Class10 minutes

What's included

2 videos1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

What's included

8 videos3 readings2 assignments1 peer review

8 videosTotal 24 minutes

An Introduction to Preparing Students5 minutes
Discussion Preparation Example5 minutes
De-briefing the Classroom Example2 minutes
Small Group Discussion as Preparation Example3 minutes
De-briefing Yvonne's Discussion Preparations1 minute
Example of Partner Talk as Preparation3 minutes
Debriefing the Partner Talk as Discussion Preparation Example1 minute
Closing Video1 minute

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Preparing for the Classroom Video10 minutes
Preparing for the Example of Partner Talk as Preparation10 minutes
Thank you! (Survey Link)10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Post-Example Questions30 minutes
Post-Example Questions30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 120 minutes

Completing the "Into" Section of your Discussion Plan120 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

4.6 (8 ratings)

Pam Grossman

University of Pennsylvania

1 Course4,429 learners

Offered by

University of Pennsylvania

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

4.6

34 reviews

5 stars
70.58%
4 stars
23.52%
3 stars
2.94%
2 stars
0%
1 star
2.94%

Showing 3 of 34

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2020

It was really great course i could learn many things i haven't known, bud i had struggles with because i'm not teacher

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2017

inspiring, well-structured course with excellent resources

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2020

I thought the pacing of this course was terrific. The opportunity to improve upon my instruction centered around discussion and also take it back to my team, was invaluable.

View more reviews