General Guidelines for Discussion
To
help you to participate effectively in our class discussions, including discussions during presentations.
- Everyone in the class has both a right and an obligation to participate
in discussions and, if called upon, should try to respond.
- Always listen carefully, with an open mind, to the
contributions of others.
- Ask for clarification when you do not understand a point
someone has made.
- If you challenge others' ideas, do so with factual evidence and
appropriate logic. Questions/comments should not attack nor
demean the presenter.
- If others challenge your ideas, be willing to change your mind
if they demonstrate errors in your logic or use of the facts.
- Do not introduce irrelevant issues into the discussion.
- If others have made a point with which you agree, do not bother
repeating it unless you have something important to add.
- Be efficient in your discourse; make your points and then yield
the floor to others. (This will be particularly important during
your team presentation.)
- Above all, avoid ridicule and try to respect the beliefs of
others, even if they differ from yours.
Additional advice:
- Come to each class fully prepared for discussion. Read
the assignments thoughtfully. Reflect on what you've read.
- Please do not become
distracted by your laptop computer – I like to ask questions of
people who are in class in body but not in mind.
- Wait to be recognized before speaking (could be as simple as a
nod from the instructor). Even if you raise your hand first, you may
not always be chosen because others may require a bit more time to pause
and reflect before they are ready to speak. Do not take offense;
you'll get a chance to express your opinions.
- A lecture hall is not the most conducive arrangement for
discussion. In order to compensate for the classroom, please
- Speak clearly and loudly.
- Face your classmates whenever you can;
try not to speak only to the instructor
- If you can't hear another's contribution,
do not just sit and rot in confusion. Let the speaker know politely that you cannot hear
and would he/she kindly repeat. Others will be glad you did.
- Remember that private conversations are
disruptive and irritating to the rest of us.
-
ON-LINE DISCUSSIONS (if we use a forum or blog): All
rules of appropriate behavior apply.