Would you like to improve classroom discussions to better engage students and help them learn your course content and skills?
A three-day professional learning opportunity for UW–Madison instructors, The Discussion Project focuses on developing skills in leading high-quality, small- and large-group discussion in undergraduate and graduate classrooms. The course is also part of the Discussion Project Measures Study, the goal of which is to develop new tools to describe classroom discussion and instructional practice.
Applications are now open for The Discussion Project’s in-person course, with new sessions starting in August 2022 and January 2023. The course is free and open to all UW–Madison instructors, including faculty, academic staff, and graduate students.
During the course, participants will:
- learn to create an inclusive classroom climate;
- define high quality classroom discussion;
- learn strategies for structuring and facilitating small- and large-group discussion;
- practice planning for classroom discussions;
- reflect on professional dilemmas and ethical issues related to classroom discussion; and
- receive up to $500 for completing all research study requirements ($250 for each semester).
Funding for The Discussion Project is provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Karen A. Falk Distinguished Chair of Education Fund. It operates within the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, which is housed within the School of Education. Dean Diana Hess is the project’s principal investigator.
Learn more about the course and how to apply.