There's a productive buzz around the room. Kids are tracking one another, asking questions, and expressing firmly held beliefs. And your principal just walked in and witnessed this most excellent moment of in-class discussion! It's easy to for a teacher to pat herself on the back in such a situation. But as much as talking and participation can *feel* innately productive, they ain't. Running a discussion that genuinely moves students toward a learning goal requires careful planning and skillful execution.