I enjoyed our conversation on Thursday about what makes for a good class discussion: please use the comments section here to share your notes, ideas, etc.
-Don't be afraid of silence. After 7 seconds of putting out a question and fielding no response (a professor's nightmare), someone is likely to jump in and put an idea on the table.
-It makes for a convivial class atmosphere when we can address each other by first name as we build off each person's comments.
-Before jumping off on a new topic, check in with the class and give a head's up that you want to shift the direction of the conversation.
-Add variety. Do a writing exercise, read a blog posting, break into small groups, watch a YouTube video, etc. before throwing out a list of flat questions to start the class.
-Listen to others, state your opinion in response, use vivid examples to support your point, and invite others to pitch in their with their perspectives.
shanespinell, 642 - days ago
- Challenge peoples thoughts and comments and ask them clarify if need be.
- It is great to get total participation from all viewpoints so everyone can form an accurate opinion or thoughts on the matter
- Original thought is important and the critical thinking and analysis of other people’s comments spurs on more thought provoking questions and ideas for the group to attack.
cedwardsmidd, 642 - days ago
Having the professor leave the room added a challenge to our discussion. We had to challenge eachother and synthesize one anothers arguments instead of leaving it up to the professor. Great element for discussion.
jisham, 640 - days ago
Agreed Cassidy, that was really interesting and challenging - for me too, to keep my mouth shut! It's vitally important, for a good discussion, that people don't spend too much time summarizing the material in an unfocused manner. A good conversation must be focussed on how the material helps us to analyze critical questions that we care about (e.g., how can we reduce the incidence of poverty?)
sbryan3712, 640 - days ago
I like the idea of not having someone lead discussing, letting it develop and unfold on its own. You can then really focus and reflect on eachother's arguments and comments instead of trying to figure out the answer to next set of questions asked by the leader.
To make a suggestions...I think we (at least I know I should) should work on asking each other to elaborate more on each other's comments. Jon, you do a good job of this, just by asking someone to talk a little more about their statement can lead to a more thought provoking discussion.
abairos, 640 - days ago
I thought we did a really good job today without a professor in class. I was impressed with the direction of conversation and the questions that were asked of each group during presentations. It was fun to see the direction of discussion in the absence of any particular instruction.
Some ideas for the discussion about discussions:
-Don't be afraid of silence. After 7 seconds of putting out a question and fielding no response (a professor's nightmare), someone is likely to jump in and put an idea on the table.
-It makes for a convivial class atmosphere when we can address each other by first name as we build off each person's comments.
-Before jumping off on a new topic, check in with the class and give a head's up that you want to shift the direction of the conversation.
-Add variety. Do a writing exercise, read a blog posting, break into small groups, watch a YouTube video, etc. before throwing out a list of flat questions to start the class.
-Listen to others, state your opinion in response, use vivid examples to support your point, and invite others to pitch in their with their perspectives.
- Challenge peoples thoughts and comments and ask them clarify if need be.
- It is great to get total participation from all viewpoints so everyone can form an accurate opinion or thoughts on the matter
- Original thought is important and the critical thinking and analysis of other people’s comments spurs on more thought provoking questions and ideas for the group to attack.
Having the professor leave the room added a challenge to our discussion. We had to challenge eachother and synthesize one anothers arguments instead of leaving it up to the professor. Great element for discussion.
Agreed Cassidy, that was really interesting and challenging - for me too, to keep my mouth shut! It's vitally important, for a good discussion, that people don't spend too much time summarizing the material in an unfocused manner. A good conversation must be focussed on how the material helps us to analyze critical questions that we care about (e.g., how can we reduce the incidence of poverty?)
I like the idea of not having someone lead discussing, letting it develop and unfold on its own. You can then really focus and reflect on eachother's arguments and comments instead of trying to figure out the answer to next set of questions asked by the leader.
To make a suggestions...I think we (at least I know I should) should work on asking each other to elaborate more on each other's comments. Jon, you do a good job of this, just by asking someone to talk a little more about their statement can lead to a more thought provoking discussion.
I thought we did a really good job today without a professor in class. I was impressed with the direction of conversation and the questions that were asked of each group during presentations. It was fun to see the direction of discussion in the absence of any particular instruction.