Discussion Lesson Plan Template: Protocols That Prevent Dead Air

Most dead-air discussions fail for one of three reasons: the question is too broad, students don't have enough text or evidence to reference, or the participation structure rewards only the loudest voices.

Fix all three by pre-loading evidence, narrowing the question, and using a protocol that distributes talk time.

Fishbowl: An inner circle discusses while the outer circle takes notes and prepares responses. Rotate after 8 minutes. Everyone speaks, and the structure creates accountability.

Think-Write-Pair-Share: Students think silently (1 min), write a response (2 min), share with a partner (2 min), then share with the class. Writing first ensures everyone has something to say.

Structured Academic Controversy: Pairs argue one side, then switch sides, then find common ground. This teaches perspective-taking and prevents discussions from becoming echo chambers.

Select the Discussion format when generating a lesson and LessonCraft structures the plan with a discussion protocol, evidence preparation, and facilitation notes for the teacher.