Step 7: Providing Multiple Ways for Students to Engage in Class Discussion

Participation in a course is not limited to the time spent in the classroom each week. Providing students with multiple avenues for sharing their thoughts and questions outside of scheduled class time brings more students into the conversation, particularly those who feel uncomfortable speaking in large groups. Tina Grotzer provides her students many opportunities to share their questions beyond speaking up during class: she solicits written feedback at the end of class, facilitates online discussions, and hosts weekly drop-in lunches. As one of her students attests, “She caters to all the different kinds of students that are in that space…That was really, really helpful.”

Profiled: Tina Grotzer, Principal Research Scientist in Education, teaches "Applying Cognitive Science to Teaching and Learning" to 35 students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Takeaway Tips

Consider where in your lesson you can make links to your out-of-class resources and vice versa. For example, you could prompt students to share their takeaways or questions on a discussion thread or bring highlights from the discussion thread into the classroom. Making connections between in-class discussions and those that take place outside of the classroom can further connect both discussion outlets. 

When developing class discussion resources for outside the classroom, it helps to think through the various needs and learning styles of the students in your class. How can outside-of-class resources help answer their questions and make all students feel heard? 

Find ways to meet with students outside of class to answer their questions and engage in ways that feel authentic to you. That could mean regular office hours, section, lunchtime meetings, or out-of-class events. 

Consider finding neutral spaces to meet with students. Meeting students only in your office can reinforce existing power imbalances between instructors and students. 

Related Resources

Creating a meaningful discussion space online can be tricky. This podcast episode from Faculty Focus includes tips for creating engaging online discussions, along with links to other resources. 

IDEA shares why and how instructors should thoughtfully incorporate more interaction with their students outside of class.

Reflection Questions

How can you use technology to provide students opportunities to continue the conversation outside of class? What are you already doing? What more could you do?

What physical opportunities do students have to talk with you and their classmates outside of class? How can you make these opportunities welcoming and accessible for all students? 

Opening up additional avenues for participation allows students who might otherwise feel uncomfortable entering the classroom conversation. Continue to the pathway conclusion for some key takeaways and resources. 

Back to Step 6

Continue to Conclusion