Commit to every voice, every discussion!

Use R.E.A.L. to make student-led discussion inclusive, rigorous, and reflective.

What students say about R.E.A.L....

R.E.A.L. makes discussion more meaningful.

“R.E.A.L. helps us engage with each other and everyone gets a better understanding of the text when they look at it from different points of view. Personally, I have an issue with shutting down the ideas of others without considering them, but R.E.A.L. helps with the life skill of of realizing there are multiple correct answers, multiple ways to solve a problem.”

10th Grader

“I've never spoken up as much as I do this year. I'm a complete introvert, but R.E.A.L. makes it so I know there is space for my voice and places like In-REAL-Time notes make it easy to get a word in. I even facilitate now, which is crazy. It also helps other people understand that when I'm quiet I'm not zoned out. I'm listening actively and now that's something our whole class values.”

11th Grade Student

“I think REAL discussions serve as a draft for analytical writing, especially in how we use quotes, and they are a great place to speak your ideas and see how your peers react to it; similar to a band testing out songs at a concert before they release the studio version. ”

9th Grade Student

About the Facilitator

Liza Garonzik

Liza Garonzik built R.E.A.L. Discussion after serving as a teacher and admin at premier US private schools. She studied at Harvard College (BA), University of Pennsylvania (MS), Columbia Teacher's College, and Harvard Graduate School of Education. Wherever she is, Liza is obsessed with the question of what makes discussions great — and often drives friends and family crazy by analyzing conversation patterns in her daily life.

Our Promise to You

We're aiming to continue our streak as our workshop alumni have said the course was "innovative," "practical," and "fun/funny." But, if that's not your experience...

  • Just let us know.

    (And don't feel bad! We've got a growth mindset.)

    It is our hope and expectation that you will find the opportunity to learn R.E.A.L. Discussion to be useful, exciting, and fun! If that is not your experience after engaging fully with the activities and resources provided, we will certainly offer a refund in exchange for thoughtful, honest feedback.