NM PED 2026 Literacy and Humanities Summer Conference

Strong classroom discussions do not happen by accident; they are intentionally designed, skillfully facilitated, and grounded in meaningful texts and questions. In this session, you will explore how to cultivate rich, student-centered discussions that deepen comprehension, strengthen critical thinking, and build students’ capacity to listen, respond, and reason with evidence. You will examine the structures, norms, and teacher moves that elevate discourse across any classroom and consider how discussion can serve as a powerful vehicle for deeper understanding.

This session is designed as an active learning experience rather than a "sit-and-get" workshop. You will engage in a model discussion using a short, complex text, experiencing firsthand the structures and facilitation moves being studied. You will leave with concrete discussion strategies you can implement tomorrow, such as structured protocols, questioning moves, and participation scaffolds. Additionally, you will gain a clearer understanding of your role in planning for and facilitating equitable, evidence-based dialogue. Through structured collaboration time, you will adapt a discussion protocol to an upcoming lesson, receive peer feedback, and leave with strategies you have already rehearsed and refined.