Touchstones Discussions in the IB Classroom

Audience: Primary Years Programme
Audience: Middle Years Programme
Audience: Diploma Programme
Audience: Research
Audience: General Interest
Session: Block 7: Sunday 11:00 to 12:15,

This session will cover the methodology of the Touchstones Discussion Project, the integration of the Socratic seminar fits in the IB classroom, development of good opening questions, and the use of questions to influence group dynamics. Participants will also learn how to create discussions around the areas of interaction and build these skills further in Theory of Knowledge courses. The session structure will include a sample discussion involving participants and an evaluation. Attendance is recommended for those teachers and administrators interested in how to incorporate student-centered discussions into the IB classroom at any level.


Ryan Phillips, Program Manager, Touchstones Discussion Project

Ryan Phillips first began using Socratic seminars as a teaching assistant at Texas A&M University. After a brief stint as a public policy analyst, he further explored discussion techniques at the Graduate Institute of St. John's College. Mr Phillips is currently the Program Manager for the Touchstones Discussion Project where he runs weekly seminars in prisons, schools, and senior centers and manages all school programs and trainings. He holds a B.A. in English and History from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas and a M.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, where he currently resides.


Organization website: http://www.touchstones.org