Designed to master both Critical Thinking and Communication, these Socratic Discussion interactive lessons help students move beyond simple facts by learning how to generate "Level 3" questions that challenge assumptions and explore complex, real-world topics. They then use the L3  questions they generated into student-led Socratic Seminars, where participants practice high-value "durable skills" such as active listening, evidence-based reasoning, and professional dialogue—skills that are highly sought after by employers in every industry. Whether analyzing ethical dilemmas or reflecting on personal growth, students will learn to articulate their ideas clearly and collaborate effectively to achieve a deeper collective understanding.

At Green Mountain High School, we are committed to preparing our students for a rapidly changing digital future through a lens of integrity and critical thinking. Grounded in Jefferson County Public Schools' AI Guiding Principles, this session provides students with a clear understanding of district-approved tools like NotebookLM and Gemini. By emphasizing the "Human-in-the-Loop" philosophy and the importance of teacher discretion, this lesson empowers students to navigate the evolving technological landscape with professional respect and academic excellence.

This lesson is designed to empower Green Mountain High School students with the lifelong skill of generating high-quality questions using Costa’s Levels of Questioning, which progress from gathering facts (Level 1) to processing information (Level 2) and ultimately applying knowledge and creativity (Level 3). The presentation shows that this "questioning superpower" is valuable not only for academic success—such as prepping for Socratic discussions and working on group projects—but also for improving personal life skills, like strengthening friendships and advancing in jobs or activities.  

This presentation is a strategic guide that transforms course registration from a random selection of classes into a career/college-focused planning session. By engaging with these slides, students learn to connect their interests to specific professional fields through activities like the "Gallery Walk," which bridges the gap between school subjects and real-world careers. For registration specifically, the slides instruct students to review their academic history and use the Pathway PDFs to identify the exact Level 1, 2, or 3 courses they need to write on their registration sheets for the upcoming year, ensuring they are on track for their future Seminal Experience: Work Based Learning or a Capstone project.