Leading Discussion Assignment

DIRECTIONS

At least once during the term, you will be responsible for focusing the class discussion of one of the readings on our syllabus. Given the number of readings and the number of students in the class, you will probably do this activitiy as a member of a team.

GOALS:

To help students develop their understanding about a reading through focused discussion.

To encourage students to consider issues that the reading raises in more depth than they might otherwise.

To help students connect the issues raised in the reading to their teaching, learning, and literacy experiences in meaningful ways.

To help students make connections between and among readings and authors.

 

HINTS FOR SUCCESS

• Count on only 15-20 minutes for the discussion of your reading.

• Provide a typed copy of your questions for every class member at thebeginnig of the session.

• Ask open ended questions that serve to generate lively debate.

• Try to involve every person in the class, not just a few.

• Try focusing on a key quote (with page numbers) that is difficult to understand—ask for classmates' help in unpacking the meaning within this quote.

• Ask class members to make a specific connection between the reading you are responsible for and previous readings/assignments.

• Ask students to make some connection between their own work/interests and the author's project, approach/methodology, findings, theoretical explanations.

• Don't answer your own questions. Wait for an answer--and be patient while folks try to formulate an answer.

• If a question is difficult, let students take a few minutes to write—and think—about it!

• Provide the teacher a copy of your questions with this blank evaluation form stapled on the front.

EVALUATION


Are questions compelling? Intellectually challenging?

no <—–––––---------–––––———> yes

Comment:

 


Do questions generate discusssion that has a high information value in connection with the readings? Do students gain additional insight?

no <—–––––––––––––––––———> yes


Comment:

Is careful preparation evident? Have you read the piece multiple times, thought carefully about the issues it raises, and reflected on how best to help others understand it?

no <—–––––––––––––––––———> yes

Comment:

 

Total Points 1––––––3––––––5––––––7––––––9––––––10

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