Prompting Deeper Discussions

Learn how to craft better prompts and lead deeper class discussions.

Class discussions are the cornerstone of successful instruction and learning— a way to explore complex subject matter and help students develop critical-thinking, listening, and speaking skills. Too often, the questions teachers ask are met not with deep engagement and discovery but blank stares and silence. In order to reap the benefits of student discussion, teachers must know how to plan and facilitate great class conversations and avoid common pitfalls.

Prompting Deeper Discussions offers a winning formula: a great prompt, delivered by an agile teacher, at the best time, to a group of students that has been properly prepared to discuss it. Teachers across grades and content areas will learn how to

• Set goals for class discussions that are both ambitious and realistic.
• Thoughtfully prepare to lead these discussions.
• Craft and refine discussion prompts.
• Keep well-prompted discussions from falling flat.

Classroom teacher Matthew R. Kay also shares exercises that give both new and veteran teachers a chance to practice writing prompts without the pressure of a looming class. Ultimately, this book will help teachers strengthen in-class discussions so that students will have a greater depth of knowledge and develop essential skills they'll need to thrive.