Book 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 practices 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. Interpretive Discussion is an approach that can--and should--be used in any classroom where teachers seek to transform student learning. "Professor Haroutunian-Gordon tackles the challenge of helping teachers engage in interpretive text-based discussions, which unfold spontaneously, but require planning, structure, and skillful questioning. This is hard, important work that allows students in diverse settings to develop desired critical thinking skills and habits of mind." -- Karen Zumwalt, Evenden Professor Emerita of Education, Teachers College, Columbia University "With interpretive discussion, teachers learn to gradually transfer responsibility for collaboration to students as young people discover their own questions about a text and learn to support their interpretations with evidence. This landmark volume will be indispensable for teachers of all subjects." -- Sara Fliehman, English teacher, Chicago Public Schools "Timely and compelling, Interpretive Discussion is a gift to American education, affirming the best of what teaching and learning can be." -- Daniel B. Frank, principal, Francis W. Parker School, Chicago "This book will be a great help to teachers trying to meet Common Core Standards on collaborative work and critical thinking. It reminds us that teachers do more than instruct: they serve as models and guides for listening, dialogue, reflection, and interpretation." -- Nel Noddings, Lee L. Jacks Professor of Education Emerita, Stanford University, and author of Education and Democracy in the 21st Century Sophie Haroutunian-Gordon is a professor of education and social policy and the director of the Master of Science in Education Program at Northwestern University.