From Participation to Engagement: Facilitating Great Discussions

What makes a classroom discussion come alive? Is it the right question, the right structure, or knowing when to step in and when to step back? Meaningful discussions don't happen simply because we ask a question. Instructors play an important role in helping students enter the conversation, build on one another's ideas, and move beyond surface-level responses. In this workshop, participants will explore strategies for facilitating discussions that support student learning. Like a trail guide, a discussion facilitator helps learners notice what matters, find their way, and make their own discoveries. Together, we'll examine ways to encourage participation, ask questions that spark deeper thinking, and navigate moments when discussions stall or take unexpected turns. Please register using the green "Register →" button at the top right of this page, underneath the workshop title. You will be brought to a webinar registration page. If you are asked to log in, please use your UVM.edu credentials. After registering, a Teams meeting will automatically be added to your Teams/Outlook calender. To block time on other calendars, you can use the "Add to Calendar" button underneath the "About This Event" label on this listing. Back to the full DOFA Calendar →