DAY 16: Recap of discussion methods

Today, there were no new vocabulary words or sentence diagramming lessons (alas).  Instead, we took another look at discussion using the questions from last night.  Those who answered 1, 2, 3 and 7 spoke while those who answered 4, 5, 6 and 8 watched and listened.  Each spectator was given one of four things to watch/listen for:

1. Positive Community Building Behaviors: These were instances when participants reached out to quieter students and helped then to join and feel comfortable in the conversation, or did something else to make the conversation a productive and in so far as it was possible, pleasant.
   
2. Positive Consensus Building Behaviors: These were instances when participants sought to make intellectual connections between ideas mentioned by others, or contributed additional/different information to create a newer, deeper understanding.
3. Key Ideas: Spectators here simply kept notes on the ideas as they progressed.
4. Negative Behaviors: This included anything that stalled conversation, contributed to unease or polarization (interrupting, ignoring, not making an effort, etc.).

Once the first group finished speaking, groups swapped roles.  Each speaking group had about fifteen minutes to discuss their four questions and then address the over-arching question (see DAY 15 for full set of questions).  Speakers could use the paragraphs they prepared last night.

The final fifteen minutes of class involved a discussion about the discussions.  Before we began that, I asked everyone to give themselves a "gut check grade" on their own discussions and on the other groups.  While all groups had "A" level moments, averages actually tended to be in the mid "B" to high "C" range.  Why?  Not everyone pushed him or herself to contribute, seek consensus, or demonstrate leadership.

I am confident from the comments that I heard that you know what it takes to have an excellent discussion, but now we need to challenge ourselves to do what's required: invite others, lead in whatever way we can, and construct meaning from our collective efforts.

The homework is to review for the quiz on Monday/Tuesday (depending on what section you are in) which covers units 1 & 2 vocabulary (predominantly unit 2), up through lesson four in the sentence diagramming workbook, and the short stories "New African" and "Sponono."

If you will be celebrating the high holy days, please let me know so we may make alternative arrangements.