Tonight’s conversation will be hosted by @Triscicurious. Be looking for Qs coming from @Triscicurious to join in. It is ALWAYS helpful to retweet the question. #MTedchat
Sprinkled throughout the chat we’ll share 10 FREE strategies from @betterlesson to promote debate, discussion, and discourse in your context. Stay tuned and watch for the pictures! #MTedchat
Tonight’s chat is about debate, discussion and discourse - As you read the questions, think about your role and the stakeholders (i.e. community, principal, colleagues, students, etc.) that are most important to your context. #mtedchat
A1: A change in the level of intentionality --- debate requires strategy whereas I'm not sure discourse and discussion always require the same level of strategy. #MTedchat
A1 I always think of a debate as being a discussion where two people, groups etc have opposing views, discourse seems like a more formal talk or speech while discussion is more informal #mtedchat
A2: I believe modeling is a great way to teach debate. I also think it is important to talk about morals, ethics, and respect before starting a debate with students. #MTedchat
A2: The topic has to be meaningful and include evidence from both sides. A productive debate supports the learning of all those involved in the conversation. #MTedchat
A2 having established norms and expectations for discussion. Letting kids know the classroom is a safe space and that disagreement is normal and even healthy when it’s handled in a productive way #mtedchat
Welcome, Rachel! We're talking about debate, discussions, and discourse. Throughout the chat, you'll see free @BetterLesson strategies related to our questions. You'll love them! #MTedchat
A3: I love to have a toolbox of discussion strategies that I can implement intentionally. For instance, I love a strategy called inner and outer circle where we focus on responding and active listening #MTedchat
I try to never step in with my opinion or idea which can be hard! My students have thinking stems to use during academic discussion. I agree with... I respectfully disagree... what do you think about?..., etc. often I try to get them to ask questions but that’s a harder skill
A3) Prepare by setting expectations for students before hand. Implement by giving explicit instructions. Support by staying engaged and stepping in when needed. #MTedchat
A3 I agree! Thinking stems are so important. Also this book is fantastic. I used it at the beginning of the year but need to dig it out for a refresher https://t.co/AAmlhlBqhn
A4: When I think about what is important in instructional coaching, facilitating discourse requires empathy and active listening --- the type of listening where your mind is quiet and not waiting to respond. #MTedchat
A4) I am learning how to do this. I participated in an @EdSurge guided discussion on whole child learning the other night. The content was meaningful. Also learning how to listen. #mtedchat
A4: This one I’m not too sure.. As a pre-service teacher, this is something I am excited to see other answers to add to my tool kit. I think honest and open communication is critical. #MTedchat
Absolutely --- I think one of the keys to open communication is building a relationship and trust, empathizing with the person, and showing that your listening to support instead of to accomplish a personal goal. #MTedchat
Hey y’all! Just got home & jumping in super late! Shaundel from Billings...TIS/LMS @BSHBroncNation! I’m SO EXCITED to see lots of education students from Western here tonight! Yay! Welcome!!! #MTedchat
I also think that no matter what the age, part of debate is acknowledging the opponent’s views...that counterclaim. It also helps Ss to remember to listen to the other side, not just think about forming their own argument :) #MTedchat
A5: I believe staying confident and calm is critical in difficult conversations. I like to ask for advice from my mentors beforehand when it comes to conversations as well. #MTedchat
A5 with Ss I always make sure to approach the conversation in a calm manner and let them know I’m hear to help and listen. Adults I’m still working on. I have a bad habit of running from conflict or just avoiding it all together 😬 #MTedchat
A5: I have to admit that difficult conversations make me nervous, but I've found it helpful in the past to have a sounding board before holding these conversations. #MTedchat
YES!!! I practiced many phone calls & convos with my mentors...& sometimes still do! Being confident in yourself & willing to hear the concerns/feedback from the other party is huge! Good for you!! #MTedchat
Q6: Scroll back up. What’s one strategy you might implement or share with someone else to promote productive debate, discussion, and/or discourse? Why? #MTedchat
Oh, I hear you. It's like teaching in front of kids versus teaching in front of your peers. I am not sure what the magic trick is besides a whole lot of practice in uncomfortable conversations. #MTedchat
A5: When I have advance notice, I try to be sure I have my facts in order & jot down talking points, if I need to...it helps me formulate my thoughts...& I’ve also jotted down concerns from the other party, so I can make sure I’m hearing the message they are sharing #MTedchat
A5: When I have advance notice, I try to be sure I have my facts in order & jot down talking points, if I need to...it helps me formulate my thoughts...& I’ve also jotted down concerns from the other party, so I can make sure I’m hearing the message they are sharing #MTedchat
A6 I love the idea of practicing a difficult conversation with another person. Not only would it be good for adults but good for kids. For example, how to stand up for someone who is being bullied or something along those lines. #MTedchat
A6: I love the fishbowl idea! Helps Ss work on their listening skills & practice formulating a coherent response, depending on the roles they’re assigned! #MTedchat
A6: One strategy I can dig deeper into and use to support my work with supporting certification work is strategy 2: Developing Norms: the "Secret Sauce" to Support Productive Group Work --- Norms will help with clarity in roles and expectations #MTedchat