3b. Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques

• Quality of questions/prompts
• Discussion techniques
• Student participation

The teacher uses a variety or series of questions or prompts to challenge students cognitively, advance high-level thinking and discourse, and promote metacognition. Students formulate many questions, initiate topics, challenge one another’s thinking, and make unsolicited contributions. Students themselves ensure that all voices are heard in the discussion.

I personally believe this to be my strongest component of the framework. Attached are observations that note elements of this component as well as my personal discussion notes that outline potential questions to ask students in class.

This is used particularly well in the novel choice unit, where groups prepare for discussions, and I make my way around to each group for understanding checks. I like allowing students a chance to discuss in their groups first. It gives them an opportunity to all feel comfortable sharing an answer.