Final answer:
The "Extra Credit" step in Grand Conversations is an optional addition designed to encourage student participation by offering additional points for extended dialogue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The optional step in "Grand Conversations" that can be added when students don't talk much is known as the "Extra Credit" step. This step encourages additional dialogue by offering extra credit points when a student makes a third reply (or more) following the guidelines set for the conversation. This optional involvement incentivizes participation and may stimulate further discussion among students who might otherwise be less likely to contribute.
To facilitate a Grand Conversation effectively, one useful strategy is forming small groups and listing possible topics for discussion. Students contribute to each other's lists with comments, ideas, and questions. This collaborative approach ensures everyone has the opportunity to engage with the topics, making it easier to jump into the conversation during larger group discussions.