Enhancing the Classroom Discussion: Circle of Knowledge

At the August 8 Back-to-School Kickoff Meeting, CTE teachers had the opportunity to learn about and simulate a classroom discussion using Circle of Knowledge.  We have received a lot of positive feedback, as well as interest in additional resources and tools to help implement the Circle of Knowledge in CTE classrooms.

There is a webpage specifically dedicated to this strategy that was put together for the Parkway Secondary Institute that was held in July 2013.  Please click here to learn more about the strategy and locate resources that you can use immediately with your students!

Our focus on enhancing classroom discussions is directly aligned to the Missouri Learning Standards, otherwise known as the Common Core State Standards.  In addition, the focus on communication skills and critical thinking specifically addresses the applicant shortfalls that were recently identified in the St. Louis State of the Workforce report.

A Circle of Knowledge discussion may not be a strong fit for every classroom discussion, but should have a place in each CTE course throughout our programs.  As you implement this strategy, please share what worked, what did not work and how you might alter the implementation of the strategy in the future so we can all learn from one another.