Full Description
In the era of the Common Core, teachers in all subject areas and grade levels are seeking ways to help students engage with and reflect on the meaning of texts. In Interpretive Discussion, Sophie Haroutunian-Gordon guides teachers through a carefully refined process for preparing, leading, and reflecting on these powerful conversations and discusses the skills and habits of mind that underlie this approach. Using detailed case studies, she identifies patterns and practises that support effective discussion leadership; explains how to choose a suitable text; provides guidelines for anticipating and preparing questions; and shows how students' skills develop over time.
Far from being reserved for elite or gifted students, interpretive discussion is an approach that can - and should - be used in any classroom where teachers seek to strengthen the relationships and skills that can transform student learning.
Contents
CONTENTS
Foreword xi
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 The Three Phases of Interpretive Discussion 11
PART ONE: Preparation
Chapter 2 Selecting a Text 31
Chapter 3 Preparing a Cluster of Questions 49
PART TWO: Leading the Discussion
Chapter 4 A Discussion of Yevgeny Yevtushenko's Schoolmaster 69
Chapter 5 A Discussion of Konrad Lorenz's "Rats" 87
Chapter 6 A Discussion of Toni Morrison's Nobel Laureate Lecture 105
PART THREE: Reflection
Chapter 7 Reflecting on Three Interpretive Discussions 127
Conclusion: Using Interpretive Discussion in the Classroom 147
Appendix A: Overview: Preparing to Lead Interpretive Discussion 167
Appendix B: Overview: Leading Interpretive Discussion 171
Appendix C: Text and Cluster of Questions for "Rats" 175
Appendix D: Text and Cluster of Questions for Toni Morrison's Nobel Laureate Lecture 181
Appendix E: The Nature of Questions 197
Appendix F: Overview: Preparing to Participate in Interpretive Discussion 201
Notes 205
Acknowledgments 215
About the Author 219
Index 221
