Participation in Class Discussion

Discussion is a collective, exploratory process.  Much of the enjoyment people gain from discussion derives from the unpredictable path it takes as ideas change and unfold.  Unpredictability, however, is also a source of great frustration for participants.  Exploration balanced with productive organization can keep a discussion stimulated and moving.  The advice below is designed to help participants strike this balance.

Listening:
Although the word discussion conjures images of talking, the most important aspect of discussion, (and of any oral activity), is listening.  Listening allows you to understand and learn from your classmates as well as respond to the analysis of others.  Before speaking, consider how your ideas relate to those previously discussed and address the relationship.

Preparation:
Like listening, preparing for the discussion ahead of time by completing assignments and readings is essential for effective participation.

Listen to the leader:

• Maintain awareness of how the discussion leader and other participants in the class are organizing the discussion
• Do not change the subject under discussion until other participants are ready to go on
• Consider how your instructor has organized the discussion and what this reveals about the topic

Organize your contribution:

• Be as succinct and clear as possible!
• Clarify what you are going to say and how it fits the discussion before you speak
• Organize your contribution (start with a thesis and then explain how you reached this conclusion)
• Respect the organization of the discussion and speak at times when your contribution is appropriate and topical
• When discussing a text, cite passages by referring to them or paraphrasing.  Only read the passage when necessary
• Avoid prefaces that do not serve content and undermine your credibility.  Examples: “This is just my opinion but,” “I thought it was interesting,” etc.

Respect other participants:
Inevitably, people will make statements that you find uh, shall we say…disagreeable.  It is important that you respond to their ideas in conversation and refrain from interruption, verbal insults or aggressive facial expressions in order to maintain trust and respect in the classroom.