We are pleased to publish recordings from our seminar series Engaging Classroom Discussions. This three-part seminar series provides viewers with practical techniques to design quality, engaging discussion activities. The first session discusses ways to design thought-provoking questions and facilitate discussions. The second session explores a variety of discussion tools available to LSA faculty, and the third session shares evidence based strategies and discussion activities to engage students in course materials.

Planning and Facilitating Effective Discussions

This video discusses ways to plan for and facilitate effective class discussions. These strategies and best practices can be applied to both in-person and online discussions. Topics will include: 

• planning thought provoking questions 

• defining instructor and student roles for discussion  

• fostering student participation 

• best practices for facilitating discussions 

Refining Online Discussions, YellowDig Engage, Harmonize, and Notebowl

This video explores and compares the discussion tools Yellowdig, Harmonize, and Notebowl and discusses how the tools can supplement the capabilities of Canvas Discussions. We will review:

• a basic comparison of discussion tools available to LSA faculty

• methods for building community

• tips for creating engaging discussions

• settings for multiple due dates

• grade passback

• word counts for discussion posts

Evidence-based Interactive Discussion Strategies that Engage Students in Your Course

This video explores active learning methodologies to engage students in classroom discussion. Learn evidence-based instructional strategies that will help students build on their existing knowledge of course content and reflect on their learning through participating in rich peer-to-peer discussions. 

Practical methods that will be covered include:

• collaborative note-taking

• debate

• polling

• think-pair-share technique

• collaborative concept map

• minute paper

If you would like to speak to an instructional consultant, you can request a consultation here. To speak with any other Technology Services group, you can reach them by emailing LSATechnologyServices@umich.edu