The return to the classroom to engage our students in person means many teaching strategies put on hold in remote classes can be activated once again. The wearing of masks introduces challenges to at least one prominent teaching and learning strategy - classroom discussion. Familiar social cues such as facial reactions are not possible in the same way; the volume and clarity of spoken words can be muffled; and customary ways of interaction that require close physical proximity must be balanced with health and safety concerns.

This workshop will consider how masks prompt us to rethink the dynamics and logistics of class discussion. We'll strategize use of alternative social cues, virtual tools, and new techniques that defamiliarize discussion yet can enhance student contributions and collective inquiry, allowing us to facilitate lively discussions in our current context and beyond.