Apply now for The Discussion Project

UW faculty, academic teaching staff and graduate student teaching assistants (who are assigned to teach at least one course) are encouraged to apply for The Discussion Project, a professional learning opportunity focused on high quality small- and large-group discussion in undergraduate and graduate classrooms. The aim of The Discussion Project is to strengthen campus-wide capacity to create welcoming, engaging, and academically rigorous classroom environments in which students experience productive classroom discussions on key content and issues.

The program is currently developing cohorts on a rolling basis. To ensure consideration for the 2019-20 academic year, applicants should apply for fall cohorts by August 1 and spring cohorts by December 15.

Apply now

Cohort Dates for 2019-20

  • Cohort 1: Aug. 19-20 and Sept. 24
  • Cohort 2: Sept. 9-10 and Nov. 1
  • Cohort 3: Jan. 21-22 and March 5
  • Cohort 4: Jan. 30-31 and March 13
  • Cohort 5: Feb. 6-7 and April 10

Participants will…

  • Learn to create an inclusive classroom climate.
  • Define high quality classroom discussion.
  • Learn strategies for structuring and facilitating small and large-group discussion.
  • Reflect on professional dilemmas and ethical issues related to classroom discussion.
  • Learn methods to gather formative feedback and to assess discussion participation.
  • Receive $500 for completing all study requirements.

For more information, visit The Discussion Project website.

The Discussion Project is a professional learning opportunity and program evaluation study funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Karen A. Falk Distinguished Chair of Education Fund. The project is housed in the Wisconsin Center for Education Research.