As OUSD teachers transition to the implementation and inquiry phase in their use of Discussions4Learning, some common best practices are surfacing. Implementing the program effectively is a combination of knowing what is essential to its design (and therefore probably should not be changed) and what are the practices that might enhance the program as written.
1. Go through the lessons in sequence and include all the bolded and yellow-highlighted words so that the core vocabulary gets the careful spiraling that ensures students gradually enrich their definition of the words through repeated examples.
2. Use the black highlighted sentences as written, since they gradually increase in complexity over time. Give students one or two chances to repeat, but bear in mind that too much repetition can have a "drill and kill feel." Think of the sentences as exposure, context and light practice.
3. Do not pre-teach the core vocabulary: allow the flow of the lesson to unfold vocabulary meaning through discussion. This process by which students gradually construct understanding of a word--using it and refining their initial definition based on multiple experiences--is a research-based, core practice of the program. Pre-teaching definitions takes valuable time away from a stronger and more engaging process that is already written into the manuals. On the other hand, posting learned vocabulary on charts for reference and repeated exposure can be a helpful addition to the core routine.
4. Look for areas to insert Turn-and-talks and Think-pair-shares to increase opportunities to Fortify Complex Output as Jeff Zweirs might say. This will take more time, but it is time well spent!
5. Make sure to include the whole-class discussion as explained in the lesson scripts. This is where rich contexts and sophisticated elaboration of connected ideas occurs. Including Turn-and-talks (point 4 above) to Fortify Complex Output is very important, but students also need to participate in the co-construction of ideas through Fostering Interaction.
6. Always include a Discussion-Worthy Prompt. Sometimes a rich, open-ended prompt is included in the guide. At other times, such a prompt may not be included and in these cases you may consider adding one. The post Including a Discussion-Worthy Prompt in Every Lesson provides ideas.
7. Review the pages 22 to 29 in the Discussions4Learning Program Guide to understand the research base and the design of the program. This will help you make instructional choices and and innovations that enhance the more powerful aspects of the program.
From Mike Ray, ELD Coordinator, OUSD ELLMA Office
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