Fostering a Culture of Discussion: Tips to Get Your Students Talking

As the new school year kicks off, one of our top priorities as ELA teachers is to get our students talking—and not just about what they did over the summer. We’re talking about real, meaningful discussions that push them to think critically, listen actively, and engage with each other’s ideas. But how do we create that kind of discussion culture in our classrooms? Here are some practical tips from Inquiry By Design to help you get your students discussing, sharing, and thinking deeply.

Start by setting the stage for successful discussions. At the beginning of the year, involve your students in creating norms for both small- and whole-group discussions. What should discussions look and sound like? What behaviors are expected from everyone? By involving students in this process, you give them ownership of the discussion culture. Regularly revisit these norms, especially early in the year, to reinforce their importance.

Not all students come to us knowing how to have a productive discussion, and that’s okay! Take time to teach and model key discussion skills—like listening without interrupting, using sentence starters (e.g., “I agree with… because…”), and backing up their points with evidence from the text. These might seem like small things, but they make a big difference in how students interact during discussions.

After each discussion, take a few minutes to debrief with your students. Ask them to reflect on how it went: What worked? What didn’t? How can we improve next time? This could be a quick write-up or just a casual chat, but it’s crucial for helping students think about their participation and set goals for future discussions.

Like anything else, getting good at discussions takes practice. Make discussions a regular part of your routine, starting with low-stakes topics that gradually build in complexity. The more opportunities students have to practice, the more comfortable and confident they’ll become in expressing their ideas and engaging with others.

Some students might need a bit more support to feel confident in discussions, and that’s where scaffolds come in handy. Use sentence stems, discussion prompts, or visual aids to give them a nudge in the right direction. And don’t hesitate to pair students strategically or use smaller groups to help everyone find their voice. Over time, you can start to pull back on these supports as students get the hang of it.

Encourage a Growth Mindset
Finally, remind your students that discussion skills aren’t something you’re born with—they’re something you develop over time. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and encourage them to take risks and try out new ideas in discussions. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and changing your mind during a discussion is a sign of growth, not weakness.

By fostering a culture of discussion in your classroom, you’re not just helping students learn to talk—you’re helping them learn to think. And in the process, you’re setting them up for success, both in your classroom and beyond. So, let’s get our students talking!