The best classes have a life of their own, powered by student-led
conversations that explore texts, ideas, and essential questions. In
these classes, the teacher's role shifts from star player to observer
and coach as the students
- Think critically, Work collaboratively, Participate fully, Behave
ethically, Ask and answer high-level questions, Support their ideas
with evidence, andEvaluate and assess their own work.
The Spider Web Discussion is a simple technique that puts this kind of
class within every teacher's reach. The name comes from the weblike
diagram the observer makes to record interactions as students actively
participate in the discussion, lead and support one another's learning,
and build community. It's proven to work across all subject areas and
with all ages, and you only need a little know-how, a rubric, and paper
and pencil to get started. As students practice Spider Web Discussion,
they become stronger communicators, more empathetic teammates, better
problem solvers, and more independent learners--college and career ready
skills that serve them well in the classroom and beyond.
Educator Alexis Wiggins provides a step-by-step guide for the
implementation of Spider Web Discussion, covering everything from
introducing the technique to creating rubrics for discussion
self-assessment to the nuts-and-bolts of charting the conversations and
using the data collected for formative assessment. She also shares
troubleshooting tips, ideas for assessment and group grading, and the
experiences of real teachers and students who use the technique to
develop and share content knowledge in a way that's both revolutionary
and truly inspiring.
