ABSTRACT

Classroom discussion is a concept familiar across the field of education and is often employed to support students’ comprehension of text. Edited by a leading expert on classroom discussion, this book situates the topic within the broader context of educational psychology research and theory and brings it to a wider audience. Five chapters describe in detail the different approaches to discussion and provide recommendations for best practices and curricular materials for student success. This concise volume is designed for any education course that includes discussion in the curriculum and is indispensible for student researchers and both pre- and in-service teachers alike.

chapter One|29 pages

Classroom Discussions

Building the Foundation for Productive Talk

chapter Two|24 pages

Teacher and Student Roles

Walking the Gradually Changing Line of Responsibility

chapter Three|22 pages

Pedagogical Decisions and Contextual Factors

Tipping the Scales Toward Highly Productive Discussions

chapter Four|25 pages

Learning Processes and Products

Propelling Students Ahead Through Talk

chapter Five|33 pages

Quality Talk

A Blueprint for Productive Talk