Student-Led Round Table Discussions

This unit provides resources to teach students how to facilitate their own “round table discussion” focused on research they have been doing in your class. Through this process, students will exercise and showcase reading, writing, language, and most prominently speaking and listening skills. They also build confidence to communicate well in the workplace. All resources are modifiable for middle school, high school, or college level instruction. We have included several resources (Google slides custom formatted to 8.5 X 11) that can be projected on a screen and also printed for individual student use. You’ll find our linear, quarter-by-quarter map of a year-long Capstone English course to indicate the work leading up to and including student-led round table discussions, though these resources are also appropriate for any stand-alone research presentation assignment in any subject area.

You’ll find:

• 12 Google slides providing a “walk-through” of the entire bundle
• The ability to print slides for teacher and student use
  • a linear, quarter-by-quarter flowchart (for optional use)
  • Introductory slides which explain the format and significance of Student-led discussions 
  • A Round Table Script Template
  • A Post-Round Table Student Reflection Prompt 
  • A Round Table Rubric

Here are some highlights of the ways to use this bundle: 

• Anytime prior, during, or after a project of any kind in any class. 
• Use for student reflection on their learning
• Use to develop speaking and listening skills in an authentic manner

Worth Noting

• If you are using this resource for a year-long course, RoundTables should occur throughout the year.  The Sonderful Scholar suggests three times: first, after topic selection and research happens; second, before or during project work; and third, after Seminar presentations
• Round Table discussions not only help students sharpen their speaking and listening skills, but their leadership skills and confidence as well.
• Round Tables promote the idea that students should hone social skills such as invitations to peers and significant adults in their lives and thank you notes and follow-up.

.

The Sonderful Scholar recognizes that creating authentic learning opportunities requires supreme flexibility. We hope that by offering time-saving, scaffolded resources in a logical sequence, they will be an easy foundation from which you can differentiate for the unique needs of your students. 

You may also enjoy: 

Capstone Thesis

Project Design and Development

Seminar Presentation

Capstone for All Course