interaction discussion
DESCRIPTION
This is a small group discussion activity for students to talk about types of interaction and norms for communication in academic environments.TRANSCRIPT
TYPES OF INTERACTIONIN THE UNIVERSITY
A Discussion Exercise for Groups in the Academic Speaking Class
LISTENING
Is listening a type of interaction? What should you do while the
professor is talking? What should you do when other
students are talking?
ONLINE CHAT / GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Have you ever participated in an online class discussion?
Do you use Blackboard (or Harvey) to check your assignments?
Have you ever used your computer to organize a study group?
VOLUNTEERING ANSWERS IN CLASS
Do you get a better grade if you speak more in class?
When should you raise your hand before you speak, and when can you speak without raising your hand?
Are you ever afraid to answer the teacher when you are in class? What can you do to overcome this?
WORKING IN PAIRS
Does your culture allow you to compare answers with a partner before turning in work?
Why would professors ask students to work together in class?
GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Why are group discussions important in learning?
Are you comfortable in group discussions?
What roles can students play in a group discussion?
Which role do you prefer?
GROUP PROJECTS
How do you feel about group projects?
How do you divide up the work? What can be done about students
who do all the work, and students who do none?
ARGUING
Why is debate important in education?
Do you debate ideas in classrooms in your country? If so, how are the debates held?
Which classes might ask you do argue your opinion?
Which is easier: defending your ideas in writing, or in speech? Why?
TEXTING
In your culture, is texting a good way to communicate with a professor?
Have you ever sent a text message during class? How did your teachers respond to cell phones in the classroom?
USING THE PHONE
When can you call your professor?
Is telephoning someone still a good way to communicate?
When you email a professor, which of the following are important? Using correct spelling and punctuation Using long sentences Writing long paragraphs Using capital letters Writing a descriptive subject line Demanding an answer right away
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Where do professors usually post announcements in your home country?
Where do you look for information about a class?
If there is a big snowstorm and school is cancelled, how will you find out?
PRESENTATIONS
Why do professors ask students to make formal presentations?
Why are presentation skills useful?
MAKING EXCUSES
If an assignment is due, and you haven’t finished it, what should you do?
If you know you are going to be absent, what should you do?