chapter 13 getting the most out of discussions. copyright © houghton mifflin company. all rights...

Chapter 13

Getting the Most Out of Discussions

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 13 | 2

Why are discussionssometimes underappreciated?

• Their percentage of your total grade is often small

• They involve “ordinary people” instead of “experts”


The benefits of discussions

• Liven up ideas• Encourage active learning• Allow for superior reciting• Provide an opportunity for

powerful reflection


The way to get themost out of discussions

• Be prepared• Know the rules• Participate actively• Make your points effectively• Follow up promptly


How to prepare for discussions

• Keep up with your assignments• If the discussion is on a specific reading,

create summary sheets from your notes on that section

• If the discussion is on specific questions, prepare as though you’re taking an essay test


Ground rules for discussions

• What does the instructor expect?• What is your discussion environment?


Learning theinstructor’s expectations

• Find out the percentage of your grade that comes from discussions

• Read any guidelines for discussion the instructor has provided


Learn to use yourclass’s discussion software

• Follow the demo or tutorial• Ask another student for help• Contact your campus learning lab

or skills center• Ask your instructor• Get help right away. Don’t put it off.


Participating actively in-class or online means being a good listener or e-listener

• Attitude: You have to want to listen • Attention: Paying attention leads to

concentration• Adjustment: Discussions aren’t always

predictable. You need to roll with the punches.


Maintain a positive attitude

• Find areas of interest: Find a link that turns a “boring” discussion into something that interests you

• Judge content, not delivery: Good points aren’t always made by skilled orators or great writers.

• Hold your fire: Don’t let the urge to lash out at a point you disagree with prevent you from following the discussion


Strive to pay attention

• Listen for ideas: Don’t become an automatic fact-storing machine. Ideas give facts context and meaning.

• Work at listening: Make an effort to remain engaged. You can’t listen passively.

• Resist distractions: Discourage distractions by sitting up close and by focusing on the speaker – and your notes.

• Use your “thought speed”: Devote any extra thinking time to mulling over the discussion’s ideas instead of daydreaming.


Cultivate acapacity for adjustment

• Be flexible note-taker: Avoid using a note-taking structure that is too rigid

• Exercise your mind: Occasionally sit in on or log into discussions topics that are new to you

• Keep your mind open: Don’t let “red flag” works or topics cause you to shut down


How to make discussionpoints effectively: AIM

• Accurate: Points should be well-supported and well-expressed

• Interactive: Make sure your points connect and that you’re mindful of other participants

• Memorable: Memorable points are easy to follow and fresh


Accurate points are well-supported and well-expressed

• Well-supported: Even if you give personal opinions, make sure you back them up with evidence

• Well-expressed: Strive to write or speak in clear, complete thoughts, paying attention to grammar and spelling


Interactive points arenever made in isolation

• Connect to the discussion topic by making what you say or write relate to points that have already been made

• Be mindful of other participants by relating your comments to theirs but by doing so diplomatically


Memorable points areseldom confusing or boring

• Make your points easy to follow by including transitions and other signal words

• Strive for fresh, creative ideas. Don’t just repeat what you’ve read or heard


Following up on discussions

• Review in-class discussions as soonas possible before forgetting takes over

• Review online discussions by noting each post’s main idea as you read it

chapter 13 getting the most out of discussions. copyright © houghton mifflin company. all rights...

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