Promoting Classroom Discussions: Year One
I have used the following professional development materials with the staff members at William Perry Elementary School in Waynesboro, VA (2010-2011 & 2011-2012), Waterman Elementary School in Harrisonburg, VA (2012-2013), and Wenonah Elementary School in Waynesboro, VA (2013-2014, 2014-2015).
With each staff, we read the text out of order. At each school, we provided chapter guides for teachers to fill out as they read the assigned chapters and completed review activities with the staff at a staff meeting. After reading chapters 1 & 2 and chapters 9 & 10, the staff members in each building were ready to being trying out the talk moves. I offered to model use of the moves, co-teach with teachers, and complete informal observations and give feedback to the teachers. I also began formal observation cycles looking for the talk moves described in the Classroom Discussions text. The chapter guides and review activities are listed on each of the pages linked through the buttons below.
With each staff, we read the text out of order. At each school, we provided chapter guides for teachers to fill out as they read the assigned chapters and completed review activities with the staff at a staff meeting. After reading chapters 1 & 2 and chapters 9 & 10, the staff members in each building were ready to being trying out the talk moves. I offered to model use of the moves, co-teach with teachers, and complete informal observations and give feedback to the teachers. I also began formal observation cycles looking for the talk moves described in the Classroom Discussions text. The chapter guides and review activities are listed on each of the pages linked through the buttons below.
Observation Materials: Year One
Classroom Discussion Observations:
Instructional Coaches in Waynesboro have utilized an observation cycle that includes:
Classroom Discussion Observation Forms:
After completing the initial observation cycle using the Initial Observation Form, I use the Subsequent Observation Form for any remaining classroom discussion observations throughout the year. The two different observation forms may be accessed by clicking on the buttons below.
Instructional Coaches in Waynesboro have utilized an observation cycle that includes:
- a pre-observation conversation where the content of the observation is discussed, the teacher can share exactly what he/she wants to receive feedback on, and the method of data collection is agreed upon,
- an observation and data collection, and
- a post-observation conversation during which the collected data is shared with the teacher, the teacher is able to reflect on the experience and the collected data, and the Instruction Coach can give additional feedback as well as set a purpose for subsequent observations.
Classroom Discussion Observation Forms:
After completing the initial observation cycle using the Initial Observation Form, I use the Subsequent Observation Form for any remaining classroom discussion observations throughout the year. The two different observation forms may be accessed by clicking on the buttons below.
Classroom Discussions Observation Frequency Chart:
As a part of collecting data, I wanted a way to track what was going on in the school and where I need to focus more of my efforts. An Observation Frequency Chart may be accessed by clicking on the button below.
As a part of collecting data, I wanted a way to track what was going on in the school and where I need to focus more of my efforts. An Observation Frequency Chart may be accessed by clicking on the button below.
Classroom Discussions (Math Talk) Resources
The Classroom Discussions: Using Math Talk to Help Students Learn, Grades 1-6 text is available for checkout from William Perry Elementary School or from the professional library at Waynesboro's Central Office. The Number Talks, Grades K-5: Helping Children Build Mental Math and Computation Strategies is available for checkout from the Instructional Coach or from the professional library at Waynesboro's Central Office. Click on the pictures below to purchase these text from Amazon.com.