ASCD PD Online courses are self-paced, web-based, media-rich learning experiences that help users deepen their understanding of today's most important education topics. Each course includes video content, readings, auto-graded assessments, downloadable applications, and reflections. You must register for your class through Puget Sound ESD in order to request PSESD clock hours or Seattle University college credit. Instructions for beginning your class and requesting clock hours or SU credit will be included in your registration confirmation email. Check your Junk/Spam folder if you do not see it!

You can register anytime between September 1, 2024 and August 25, 2025, but your course MUST be completed by August 31, 2025.

Researchers and practitioners observe that teacher talk continues to dominate in most classrooms. Student opportunities for extended talk or interaction with one another is rare. Well-planned discussions serve two purposes: to support students in deepening conceptual knowledge and transferring it to different contexts and to sharpen skills associated with thoughtful discussion. To accomplish these purposes, discussions must be both well-planned and skillfully executed, which you’ll learn how to achieve using the five-part stages of discussion framework. You’ll also learn about three types of classroom discussion, with a module devoted to each: teacher-guided, structured small-group, and student-driven. You’ll access tools, techniques, and protocols to support each as you move through the modules of this course.