Don’t All Talk at Once: Creating Better Classroom Discussions

Higher Listenings

When students go quiet after your best discussion question, it’s tempting to assume the worst. But what if that quiet moment means something else entirely?

In this episode, we’re joined by educator, speaker, and author of Teaching at Its Best, Dr. Todd Zakrajsek, to rethink the role of classroom discussions—not as performance, but as practice. We explore why our go-to methods often favor fast-thinking extroverts, and how small shifts in tone, timing, and structure can make space for more voices to be heard.

Learn why awkward pauses might be your best pedagogical tool, and what it really takes to create psychologically safe environments that encourage—not force—participation.

Guest Bio

Dr. Todd Zakrajsek is an educator, speaker and the author or co-author of seven books on teaching and learning, including the widely used Teaching at Its Best.

Dr. Zakrajsek directs four Lilly Conferences on College and University Teaching and is a frequent keynote speaker at institutions around the world. With decades of experience advising faculty and contributing to educational boards and journals, he brings both deep expertise and infectious energy to every conversation about improving student learning.

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Chapters

1. The Value of Classroom Silence (00:00:00)

2. Shifting from Content to Cognitive Coach (00:07:30)

3. Understanding Why Students Don't Talk (00:13:53)

4. Attributions Behind Student Silence (00:15:55)

5. Mistakes That Discourage Participation (00:18:20)

6. Inclusive Participation Beyond Speaking (00:21:09)

7. Navigating Polarized Classroom Discussions (00:24:13)

8. Finding Joy in Teaching (00:26:36)