Talking in Class: Using Discussion to Enhance Teaching and Learning

by Thomas M. McCann, Larry R. Johannessen

using discussion to enhance teaching and learning

Genres: Teaching, Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jon Den Houter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the book cover to cover; nearly every chapter was valuable. Some chapters provided practical tips (e.g. As they enter class, hand out a unique question to each student about the book your class is currently reading; have them think about it for a couple minutes BEFORE launching into a class discussion on that book). Other chapters provided excellent prereading/frontloading activities (e.g. Scenarios, opinionaires, etc.) and still other chapters provided theory.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of this book doesn't really seem new, nor do all the ideas inside it, but it was a really good reminder for me that my classroom needs to be more students centered and gave me time to think of ways to increase student centered discussions. While not life-changing, I really did learn a lot and have several new ideas in the works from things in the book.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is especially good for young teachers or teachers who are not confident about leading discussions. There are some interesting scenarios for experienced teachers, too, and much of the book is a good reminder of best practice.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book for secondary teachers--I'll definitely use this in my own language arts classroom. I used it during my middle school practicum on a smaller scale and the class was better for it!

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some useful things in here but the book is organized strangely and extremely repetitive.

[Rigatoni Baloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of great ideas designed to initiate authentic open discussion in a classroom.

[Jill Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be a great read for pre-service teachers. Reminded me of key aspects of leading discussions--I especially liked the section on authentic dialogue.

[Synthia Salomon, Ed.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recitation was the dominant mode of discourse in most classrooms. Teaching requires authentic discussion.