Updated Info for Open-Ended Discussions

    We're hearing more about conversation in the classroom these days :).  The more we converse, the more we give students the opportunity to push their thinking.  But, like Dixie Spiegel says in her book Classroom Discussion (2005, Scholastic), conversational skills don't just show up one day fully developed.  We must explicitly teach the skills students need to engage in thoughtful conversation with one another and, we have to be patient as we give them time and feedback.  You might check out Dixie's book for some great, practical ideas!  http://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Discussion-Strategies-Higher-LevelStrengthening/dp/0439567572/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330998527&sr=8-1
     In the meantime, I've updated my Open-Ended Discussion tips document.  You can access it on Google docs:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fRinw8pBRaPsDpP0OJqBzZzqz5JZ3sMaRBsggpvYfc4/edit#
Happy conversing!  -j