Discussion+Tips

Discussion Tips

What can I do to keep discussions focused and meaningful?
 * If discussing a text, select an interesting quote and talk about its meaning, how it relates to the text as a whole, and other group members' reactions to it. ("I think...")
 * Share and discuss any questions or uncertainties group members may have. ("I wonder...")
 * Discuss other connections that you made between the text or topic and other texts or topics ("I made a connection..." or "This is related to...")
 * Consider how this text or topic fits in to a larger context (human behavior, society, culture,art, education, family, relationships, literary themes, etc)
 * During class discussions, encourage each other to participate by asking members of the group who haven't yet contributed what they think. (Sometimes people are shy!)

Small Group Discussion Guidelines

Discussion Norm (Created by class)
 * 1)  Have equal contribution throughout the group.
 * 2)  Be respectful of everyone's opinion
 * 3)  Back up your statements with evidence.
 * 4)  Offer different viewpoints to keep the discussion going.
 * 5)  Be open-minded.
 * 6) Come prepared for the discussion.