Pedagogical Praxis Series 1: Facilitating a Group Discussion

The Pedagogical Praxis Series (PPS) is a series of modules aimed at developing teaching praxis in relation to a variety of research-based high leverage practices (HLP’s). These practices cover the basic fundamentals of teaching, used across subject areas, grade levels, and contexts. They are considered high leverage not only because they matter to student learning but because they are basic for advancing skill in teaching, no matter who you are teaching.

Praxis is a term used to describe teaching in action. This stems from the understanding that when knowledge and reflection are not followed by action they are worthless. So too, when action does not stem from knowledge and reflection it is uninformed. These Modules provide in service teachers with the opportunity to select from a ‘menu’ of competencies, to custom design a professional development experience pertaining to their own specific needs and development areas.

The PPS Modules are:

• Available in English & Arabic
• Online
• Supported by a Critical Friend- participants must identify 1 critical friend to support their reflection and progress.
• Involve Simulation Training
• Benchmarked against Teacher Standards for the UAE and KSA Teacher Standards and Professional Development Pathways

Discourse in the classroom is key for developing student thinking processes, encouraging the exchanging of ideas, developing mastery and reflecting on content and shared thoughts. Module 1, Facilitating a Group Discussion is about supporting teachers to effectively facilitate discussions within the classroom.

Learning Outcomes:

• To benchmark and review current practices.
• To recognise instructional strategies for facilitating group discussions.
• To discuss strategies which effectively facilitate group discussions.

To demonstrate instructional strategies which facilitate group discussions in the classroom.