26. Classroom Conversations

Abstract: Effective classroom conversations are critical to the teaching and learning process. Traditionally, education has been seen historically as a one-way process – from teacher to student. Today we understand that it is critical for teachers to understand what students are thinking, as it provides a check on student understanding and retention. Two-way conversation is critical in today’s inquiry-oriented classrooms.

Classroom Conversations – Benefits of and Problems with Discussions – Preparing for Successful Discussions – Socratic Method as a Pedagogical Technique – Engaging Students in Socratic Dialogues – The Rhodes’ Typology – Fully Engaging Students in Socratic Dialogues – Other Bases for Discussions – Additional Suggestions