Hints for Class Discussion
- Discussions are NOT for you to talk about what you know; they are for you to learn MORE. Ask questions. Get elaborations. Challenge yourself and others.
- Bring to class the readings you will be discussing. You will likely need to refer to them at some point.
- Be prepared. Prepared does not mean that you have to have read every word or that you have to understand everything that you have read. But you need a list (probably written) of ideas and questions in order to cover everything you believe should be covered in the discussion.
- Ask questions. Take advantage of the discussion to improve your understanding of the readings and related topics. Discussions are not just for people who understand everything about the readings; they are just as much–if not more–for people with questions.
- Think about the needs of others. Your role is to stimulate a discussion, not give mini-speeches. Ask others about their understanding or ask them for clarification; give others an opportunity to talk. Do not monopolize (in length of comments or in number). Listen to and acknowledge others’ ideas
- Look and act involved and encouraging. It is hard to talk if your “audience” looks bored and uninterested. So, when someone else is speaking, you should smile and nod. And when you are speaking, look at everyone; do not direct your attention to one person, thus excluding everyone else. Talk to each other, not just to the person who asked a question or to the instructor.
- If someone changes the subject before you think that it has been adequately discussed, wait for your chance and return the class to that topic. (“I’d like to return to an earlier point that I still do not understand.”)
- If the discussion gets bogged down, change the topic. (“Maybe we should move on to another topic before we run out of time.” “Can we talk about Mary’s question for a while?”) If you are sitting there bored or frustrated, it is your job to redirect the discussion; do not blame “the class.”
- Do not let any one person dominate the discussion. Do not let two people turn the discussion into a two-sided debate. Break in politely; ask others for their views. If the discussion turns into a monologue/dialogue, it is everyone’s fault, not just the speaker/s.
- Do not get worried when you say something and there is a pause. People need time to think about what you have said. Especially if you raise a new point or ask a question they do not expect, they need time to digest, decide what they think, and determine how they want to respond. In some cases, the class may not have an answer to your question.
- Ask for clarification. Question irrelevant remarks. Ask for reasons for others’ opinions. Ask others what they think.
KEEP IN MIND THAT GOOD CLASS DISCUSSION INVOLVES MORE THAN SPEAKING OFTEN.
A good discussant:
- is physically present
- initiates topics
- returns to points when they need further discussion
- discusses relevant, important issues
- avoids drifting to trivial points
- provides opinions, suggestions, and clarification
- asks for opinions, suggestions, and clarification
- provides information
- asks for information
- encourages others to speak
- respects the opinions of others
- relieves tensions
- shows agreement and disagreement
- avoids bogging down on a single point
- speaks loudly, clearly
- speaks in a respectful tone
- does not exhibit distracting mannerisms
- makes eye contact with the class, not just one or two people
