Making Classroom Discussions Work Whether Students Are Prepared or Not

Preparing for class discussions when students are not prepared can be a challenge for teachers. It can lead to tough choices on how to spend class time and can have repercussions for students academically and socially. However, there are strategies teachers can use to address this issue, such as providing alternative ways for students to participate in discussions and creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. It is important for teachers to show that they value students' participation and effort and to help students understand the importance of being prepared for class.

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Lisa Leaheey has taught English at North Providence High School for the entirety of her 23-year career. A lifelong voracious reader and movie buff, she spends every day sharing her passion for stories with her students, and she continuously seeks out new ways to elevate her students’ individual strengths and to support their individual needs.  Lisa was recently named the 2023 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year,

Matthew R. Kay is a proud product of Philadelphia’s public schools and a founding teacher at Science Leadership Academy (SLA). He graduated from West Chester University and holds a Master's in Educational Leadership with a Principal’s certificate from the California University of Pennsylvania. At SLA, he teaches an innovative, inquiry-driven, project-based curriculum. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of Philly Slam League (PSL).