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Class Participation
Class Participation
A good part of your grade in this class is based on participation in discussion. Participating in discussion does not necessarily mean talking a lot or showing everyone else that you know or have studied a lot. Good discussion participation involves people trying to build on, and synthesize, comments from others, and on showing appreciation for others’ contributions. It also involved others to say more about what they are thinking. Some of the most helpful things you can do are call for a quiet interlude or bring a new resource to the classroom. So there are multiple ways quieter people can participate.
A good part of your grade in this class is based on participation in discussion. Participating in discussion does not necessarily mean talking a lot or showing everyone else that you know or have studied a lot. Good discussion participation involves people trying to build on, and synthesize, comments from others, and on showing appreciation for others’ contributions. It also involved others to say more about what they are thinking. Some of the most helpful things you can do are call for a quiet interlude or bring a new resource to the classroom. So there are multiple ways quieter people can participate.
Here are some specific things you could try:
Here are some specific things you could try:
Ask a question or make a comment that shows you are interested in what another person says
Ask a question or make a comment that shows you are interested in what another person says
Ask a question or make a comment that encourages another person to elaborate on something they have already said
Ask a question or make a comment that encourages another person to elaborate on something they have already said
Bring in a resource (a reading, web link, video) not covered in the syllabus but that adds new information/perspectives to our learning
Bring in a resource (a reading, web link, video) not covered in the syllabus but that adds new information/perspectives to our learning
Make a comment that underscores the link between two people’s contributions and make this link explicit in your comment
Make a comment that underscores the link between two people’s contributions and make this link explicit in your comment
Use body language (in only a slightly exaggerated way) to show interest in what different speakers are saying
Use body language (in only a slightly exaggerated way) to show interest in what different speakers are saying
Contribute something that builds on, or springs from, what someone else has said. Be explicit about the way you are building on the other person’s thoughts.
Contribute something that builds on, or springs from, what someone else has said. Be explicit about the way you are building on the other person’s thoughts.
When you think it’s appropriate, ask the group for a moment’s silence to slow the pace of conversation to give you, and others, time to think.
When you think it’s appropriate, ask the group for a moment’s silence to slow the pace of conversation to give you, and others, time to think.
Make a comment that at least partly paraphrases a point someone has already made.
Make a comment that at least partly paraphrases a point someone has already made.
Make a summary observation that takes into account several people’s contributions and that touches on a recurring theme in the discussion.
Make a summary observation that takes into account several people’s contributions and that touches on a recurring theme in the discussion.
Ask a cause and effect question – for example, “can you explain why you think it’s true that if these things are in place such and such a thing will occur?”
Ask a cause and effect question – for example, “can you explain why you think it’s true that if these things are in place such and such a thing will occur?”
Find a way to express appreciation for the enlightenment/learning you have gained from the discussion. Try to be specific about what it was that helped you understand something better.
Find a way to express appreciation for the enlightenment/learning you have gained from the discussion. Try to be specific about what it was that helped you understand something better.
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