The Best Class You Never Taught: How Spider Web Discussion Can Turn Students into Learning Leaders

by Alexis Wiggins

The best classes have a life of their own, powered by student-led conversations that explore texts, ideas, and essential questions. In these classes, the teacher’s role shifts from star player to observer and coach as the students The Spider Web Discussion is a simple technique that puts this kind of class within every teacher’s reach. The name comes from the weblike diagram the observer makes to record interactions as students actively participate in the discussion, lead and support one another’s learning, and build community. It’s proven to work across all subject areas and with all ages, and you only need a little know-how, a rubric, and paper and pencil to get started. As students practice Spider Web Discussion, they become stronger communicators, more empathetic teammates, better problem solvers, and more independent learners—college and career ready skills that serve them well in the classroom and beyond. Educator Alexis Wiggins provides a step-by-step guide for the implementation of Spider Web Discussion, covering everything from introducing the technique to creating rubrics for discussion self-assessment to the nuts-and-bolts of charting the conversations and using the data collected for formative assessment. She also shares troubleshooting tips, ideas for assessment and group grading, and the experiences of real teachers and students who use the technique to develop and share content knowledge in a way that’s both revolutionary and truly inspiring.

Genres: Education

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2017

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goal this year is to implement this.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPIDER Web discussion is one of the reasons that I wish I had a classroom of my own again. I would totally do it every week, at least, if not even more frequently.

Wiggins startled me when she juxtaposed two descriptions of teachers: power relinquishers and leaders. Relinquishing power radically opposes American culture and perhaps even human nature. I have been struck also by her empathy for students in later chapters such as chapter 5 "Roadblocks Later On: That One Tough Class". You could easily rename chapter 5 "Overcome evil with good." Her ideas also echo Jesus’ words in the Gospel according to St. Mark, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Her approach resonates well with Christian education.

She also makes a strong case that SPIDER web discussion if used frequently enough would help students reach global learning outcomes that many schools reach for, such as collaboration creativity communication and inquiry.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like going to a teacher workshop but you get to put it into practice the very next day. With instructional dialogue being the building focus this year, I am very excited to give this a try next semester. The potential for student learning and critical thinking is so high with this, yet it's really very simple. I can't wait!!

[Basya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Students can have conversations without an adult at any grade level.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Class You Never Taught is a great book for a teacher to keep on hand. It is a handbook to help a teacher implement Spiderweb Discussions. Tips for discussion ideas, codes to use when students are talking, arrangement of chairs, how often to use this strategy, conferencing with students who have discussion characteristics that may hinder others from participating and so much more. Many of the scenarios are from high school level. However, this strategy can be used at the elementary level, as well. I highly recommend this book!

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Stuff

I wanted to know more about the entire process of Harkness/Spider Web Discussions. This gave a great overview and lots of awesome ideas to think about as you do them with your class.

[Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will be interesting to implement next year focusing more on students leading discussions. This will be a good model to assess students and their discussions.