Our discussion seminars are a mixture of several formats. Our discussion seminars involve two circles: an inner circle and an outer circle. While in the inner circle, students discuss the item for the seminar. This discussion flows from one student to the next and we stay out of the conversation. Students are not required to raise their hands, and the only reminder we provide is not to talk over one another. Students in the outer circle are silent observers of their partners and the others in the discussion. We rotate inner and outer circle participation every 3-5 minutes for at least two rounds. The length of time depends on the flow of the discussion and the allotted class time.
To begin, we present students with a copy of the seminar guidelines and rubric for grading. We discuss the guidelines and our expectations.
Next, we present the item (photo, song, poem, etc.) to students and provide a few minutes to review the item while making note of things to discuss, questions they have, and thoughts, feelings, and reactions to share.
Students are given an observation sheet, which they will complete while participating in the outer circle. While training students in the procedures for evaluating and making observations, we use the full observation sheet. Once students understand what they are observing and evaluating, we use the half-sheet and they make notes on the back of this paper.
Students are then instructed to partner with a classmate, determine who will be in the inner circle and outer circle, and get themselves moved into inner and outer circle shapes. Once this has been accomplished, we check that everyone has a partner (we will step in if there is an odd number), and the discussion begins. The students start the discussion so it is usually a fight to get the first question or comment. Once the seminar has ended, students make a final evaluation of their partners and turn in the observation sheet. We use this observation along with our own notes from the seminar to assess student performance.
To begin, we present students with a copy of the seminar guidelines and rubric for grading. We discuss the guidelines and our expectations.
Next, we present the item (photo, song, poem, etc.) to students and provide a few minutes to review the item while making note of things to discuss, questions they have, and thoughts, feelings, and reactions to share.
Students are given an observation sheet, which they will complete while participating in the outer circle. While training students in the procedures for evaluating and making observations, we use the full observation sheet. Once students understand what they are observing and evaluating, we use the half-sheet and they make notes on the back of this paper.
Students are then instructed to partner with a classmate, determine who will be in the inner circle and outer circle, and get themselves moved into inner and outer circle shapes. Once this has been accomplished, we check that everyone has a partner (we will step in if there is an odd number), and the discussion begins. The students start the discussion so it is usually a fight to get the first question or comment. Once the seminar has ended, students make a final evaluation of their partners and turn in the observation sheet. We use this observation along with our own notes from the seminar to assess student performance.