Finally!

On Monday, we crashed and burned. On Tuesday, we super-structured it. And today, we finally had a good discussion.

On Monday, the students were in groups sharing what they learned during their research time. This turned into two unfortunate situations: long-winded sharing by only one person in the group (the lesser of two evils) or openly mocking what other classmates didn’t “know already” (ugh). I even had guiding questions for this discussion! This is not the first discussion we have had this year! Everything doesn’t always have to be about you!

Groan.

On Tuesday, we sat in pairs on the carpet. I posed a question. One partner shared their answer. The other person listened. Then, the other partner shared. And the other person listened. Then, I posed another question, etc. For sure, it was a little stilted, but everyone was kinder and there were no monologues. It had the makings of a real discussion.

Ok.

Today, we sat in pairs on the carpet. I posed a question and let the partners share and respond (with some appropriate phrases to use). Then, I posed another question, etc.

Today, there was dialogue.

Today, there were partners posing questions.

Today, everyone wanted more time to keep the discussion going.

Today, we had a good discussion.

Finally!

…let’s see if we can keep this up tomorrow.

slice-of-life_individual

4 thoughts on “Finally!”

  2. jumpofffindwings says:
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    If it only took three tries to get it going, I’d say you did everything right. If only that meant that, from this point forward, you be on a straight trajectory toward terrific discussions each and every time…in heaven, maybe. That’s what’s the challenge and the interesting part of teaching. On any given day, things can go sideways. I hope the next discussion only reinforces the positive! May all days be good days.

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