Developing the Debate-Inspired Classrooms Observation Guide in a Research-Practice Partnership

• In Event: Engaging in Antiracist Efforts and Inclusive Learning Across Contexts

Abstract

Present conversations in the field of education call for a shift away from the traditional teacher-dominant model to an inclusive and empowering “deeper learning” environment that supports students’ cognitive, social, and emotional development as well as academic mastery (Huberman et al., 2014). However, this has been a struggle to achieve in many classrooms, particularly in schools in underserved areas (Noguera et al., 2015). Debate-Inspired (DI) Classrooms is one initiative that seeks to support teachers and classrooms by providing practical strategies and tools for deeper learning. This study concerns the development of the DI Classrooms Observation Guide, co-constructed in a research-practice partnership, to provide educators with a practical tool to promote empowering student experiences and inform future research-practice partnerships.

Authors

• Soe Young Lee, Boston University

• Jonathan Zaff, Boston University

• Yawei Huang, Boston University

• Sarah Mayper, Boston Debate League

• Leal Carter, Boston University

• Max Margolius, EL Education