Date Approved
8-3-2025
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Secondary Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
Teacher Education
First Advisor
Sherie Klee
Academic Year
2024/2025
Abstract
Discussion-based pedagogy provides students with opportunities to practice collaborative and critical thinking skills that have proven impactful on reading and writing scores, interpersonal communication skills, and civic engagement. However, inexperienced discussion facilitators—as well as instructors who may not have clear purposes or objectives for discussion in their classrooms—may not be familiar with best practices and strategies for structuring rigorous, equitable, and engaging student talk. This project begins by investigating potential factors contributing to students' lack of interpersonal skills in the classroom, and ultimately identifies discussion-based pedagogy as a key solution. A theoretical basis for the merits of discursive learning is given, followed by a review of relevant literature. The project itself comprises a professional development presentation in which meaningful instructional strategies are explored, followed by a guided teacher observation, video-recorded lesson, reflection, and small-group discussion. By introducing (or reviewing) these instructional strategies, then observing master facilitators, reflecting on their practice, and sharing these reflections, teachers will be equipped to support their students’ academic growth, social-emotional development, and civic readiness.
ScholarWorks Citation
O'Brien, Ethan, "Fostering Academic, Social-Emotional, and Civic Growth Through Discussion-Based Pedagogy in Secondary Classrooms" (2025). Culminating Experience Projects. 613.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/613
