How to use the Discussion Guide

Each module in the course has its own proposed facilitation plan for a synchronous meeting.  The structure is consistent throughout the modules with some variations regarding the prompts.  Here is a breakdown of the consistent elements of a typical meeting plan:

• Module Title and Objectives – These are included at the top of each plan to ground all discussions in the common objectives of that module.  If any modifications are made to the plan, they should remain consistent with these objectives.
• Intro - The facilitator takes attendance, and the participants are provided some space to connect since the last meeting.  A general prompt is provided for each of these to get the group in a discussion mindset.
• Implementation share-out – Before this session, a few participants have volunteered to document their efforts in trying out a concept from the previous session in their own learning environment.  Participants could share successes, challenges, observations, anything notable.  Each participant would be expected to volunteer for this at least once throughout the course. During the first meeting, the facilitator will need to explain this part of each session and clearly describe expectations.
• Transition shift - The facilitator prompts participants to connect the topics discussed during the implementation share-outs, which will be focused on the concepts of the last session, to the topics introduced in this session.  Prompts are provided to aid in this transition.
• Workbook reflection – This discussion builds on workbook reflections, offering prompts to delve deeper into workbook questions. Some prompts are module-specific while others are general, fostering exploration and sharing of perspectives. Note that some modules have very light workbook content while others are quite rich. Each module's Workbook reflection section features a consistent closing prompt to allow participants to bring up any topics that might not have been addressed yet in the previous questions.
• Application discussion – This discussion is meant to take the concepts and ideas from the course and bring them into each individual's learning plan framework.  They are designed to continue along from the workbook reflection portion, so there does not have to be a stark delineation between this discussion and the one regarding the workbook.  Depending on how the workbook discussion advances, this might integrate right in with those prompts.  However, this part of the meeting gives participants time and assistance in imagining how the concepts from the course materials can translate into new classroom teaching practices.  This goal should be kept in mind when flexibly adjusting this allocated time of the meeting and is reflected in the fact that this section has the most time devoted to it.
• Wrap up - Quick synthesis of totality of discussions and consistent prompt that challenges participants to apply their learning directly to their practice. Also, during this time, the facilitator should ask participants to volunteer for the implementation share-out for the next meeting.  

While the above elements are present in each module’s plan, there is no expectation that each session will, or should, be the same.  With that in mind, here are some elements of each meeting plan that could be adjusted:

• Overall time allotment – The estimates are a broad range that can allow for anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, or longer if the discussions warrant it. Some topics might require longer workbook discussions while others might spark lengthier application talks.  Also, if more than one person is sharing during the application portion, this will require more time too.
• Implementation share-out time – Since this portion of the meeting will depend on how many people volunteer for it, this will obviously fluctuate from meeting to meeting. 
• Prompts - The prompts provided for each module vary from one to another to take advantage of the aspects of each topic. The specific prompts on each module plan are a suggestion but not necessary.  If some prompts are not sufficient, not applicable to your group, or if you would like to supplement with additional ideas, please add any of your own.  There is also a list of general workbook and application questions in the Appendix to this guide.
• Alternative meeting activity ideas
  • Resource summary – Participants could agree to read/watch/listen to one of the additional resources provided in the “Want to Explore More?” area at the end of each module.  At the next session, they would summarize the resource to the group, answering the questions “How did this resource expand on the ideas introduced in the module?  Did it conflict with any points from the course?  How could any of these ideas help inform us in crafting a more successful and robust learning environment in our classrooms?”
  • Routine practice – Participants could role play the strategies and ideas presented in the module using lessons or examples from their curriculum materials.  Facilitators must ensure participants trade the roles of teacher and student back and forth.
  • Shared planning time – Participants could take advantage of the time with colleagues to collaboratively plan to implement the strategies and ideas from the module into an upcoming lesson.  Then they could share with the whole group and reflect together to help anticipate and mitigate any possible challenges.