Students will be expected to follow the guidelines of our uninterrupted classwide conversations. They will:
- take and give attention.
- stand to speak during the conversation (Students do not raise their hands for permission to speak.)
- yield the floor to another when they both stand to say something at the same time.
- recognize others positively and building on previous comments.
- disagree in an agreeable manner if applicable.
- apply the school district's Core Behaviors when appropriate to the moment.
The teacher will initiate a conversation. This will involve one of the following:
- a thoughtful quotation,
- a spontaneous situation,
- or an thought-provoking video.
This process, if explicitly taught and practiced, should support other areas (i.e., academic, social, emotional). I would like to increase stamina and decrease interruptions in these conversations as the year progresses. I also need to get more students involved in the conversations (as there are some who like to dominate).
As I have read the last chapters of Steve Wyborney's book, Writing on the Classroom Wall, I've also realized that I can apply some of his thoughts to student conversations. Wyborney finds value in giving the class the answer to a problem, removing that part of our expectations and placing more emphasis on process. In addition, Wyborney suggests offering problems with multiple solutions, broadening the conversation.
I hadn't designed our uninterrupted classwide conversations with Steve Wyborney's words in mind, but it has been nice to see that his book supports many of the things we do.
see my Professional Publications Commentary page.