Capacity Material

Discussion Strategy Videos

---

This series of short videos dives into important facets of leading discussions.
Building a Culture of Science Talk & Curiosity
Quality outdoor science experiences should be rich with opportunities for students to talk about science ideas. Students need to talk to learn, just as they need to read and write to learn. Talking helps students form and connect ideas. This includes talking with peers and also with those who know more about a topic, such as an instructor. Student talk also gives an instructor windows into what students are thinking, which gives the instructor information about how to guide the learning experience. One of the most interesting things about teaching is listening to students’ ideas and getting glimpses into their brains, while trying to figure out what they’re thinking, what their ideas are based on, what they understand, and what they’re confused about. Taking the time to build a culture of respectful discussion and curiosity creates an environment in which students are ready and excited to share their ideas. If you give students interesting science ideas to talk about, and support them by creating a culture of discussion, they’ll deepen their knowledge in meaningful ways through collaboration with their peers. It will also be more likely that students will keep talking about interesting science ideas, even when you don’t tell them to, and you will learn a lot more about what your students are thinking. 
Watch the video

Building Discussion Skills
It takes practice for students to develop skills to participate in discussion, and it also takes practice for instructors to learn to lead discussions well. You can build your own discussion-leading skills while you help students build the skills they need to participate actively in discussion. The most rewarding and fascinating discussions happen when you participate with students authentically as fellow inquirers who share a curiosity about our world.
Watch the video

Constructing Explanations & Engaging in Argumentation
A culture of curiosity and science talk deepens student learning and improves instruction. It is also important to learning the scientific practices of Constructing Explanations and Engaging in Argumentation from Evidence of the Next Generation Science Standards. For both of these you need open discussion of ideas, respectful disagreement, and curiosity, as well as tentative, evidence-based, and open-minded thinking. These are not just science skills, but are also important skills for discussion in everyday life, and for becoming responsible citizens of the world. Students can get practice developing such skills and mindsets through carefully planned and guided discussions.
Watch the video

**Responding to Students **
How an instructor responds to what students say can make a huge difference in the way they participate in discussions. Every student comment is an opportunity to keep building a culture of respectful discussion. Slowing down to think about how you are responding to your students can help you become more aware of how you may be either supporting or unintentionally shutting down participation in discussion.
Watch the video

Supporting English Language Learners
Language is best learned in a low-stress situation, by talking, listening, reading, and writing about things that are of interest to the learner. Outdoor science programs, where students get to explore nature and discuss ideas, can be ideal environments for English learners to develop language and speaking skills.
Watch the video