This course will help you facilitate class discussion circles, where students are more actively involved and can safely explore their personal, social and cultural views. You will discover how to switch from a teacher who gives direct instructions to a facilitator who lets their students lead their learning.
From an experienced facilitator, you’ll learn:
- The basics of facilitation.
- How to set up a discussion circle for any group of students.
- How to use tools like group agreements and open-ended questions.
- How to provide a safe space for students to listen and share their views.
Primary teachers
1.5.2 Proficient Level - Know students and how they learn - Differentiate teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities: Develop teaching activities that incorporate differentiated strategies to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities,
3.3.2 Proficient Level - Plan for and implement Effective Teaching and Learning - Use teaching strategies: Select and use relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking,
3.5.2 Proficient Level - Plan for and implement Effective Teaching and Learning - Use effective classroom communication: Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student understanding, participation, engagement and achievement
Are you in NSW? If so, this is relevant for you
This course may contribute towards Elective PD hours. Visit https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au for more details.
Completing Use Discussion Circles in the Primary Classroom will contribute 2 hours of NSW Education Standards Education Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of Delivery and Assessment of NSW Curriculum/Early Years Learning Framework, addressing standard descriptors 3.5.3 from the Australia Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Introduction
Aims and Objectives
Jane's Stories
Set a Learning Goal
Task: Set a Learning Goal
Direct Instruction and Facilitation
What is a Discussion Circle?
General Capabilities
An Inclusive School
Watch and Think
Know Yourself
Know the Role of the Facilitator - Purpose
Know the Role of the Facilitator - Process
Quick Check-In
Task: Quick Check-In
Setting Up a Circle
Group Agreements
Group Agreements and Behaviour Management
Routines and Rituals
Questions and Responses
Summary
Reflect on your Learning
Task: Reflect on your Learning
Your Next Steps
Course Feedback