Notes from our Wednesday, July 22 inclass discussion

Shared thoughts about guidelines to nurture discussion

• it is a priviledge to share openly without coersion or censorship
• the classroom is a spiritual space
• nurture and acknowledge AHA moments
• value-added responses/avoid fluff/regurgitation
• listen for meaning
• find errors in what you espouse/the truth in what you oppose/before speaking out
• assume good intentions
• differences of opinion are expected/reasonable people will disagree
• facts are debatable, feelings are never wrong
• mistakes are opportunities to improve
• key words for feedback You're wrong ==> I disagree
• talk about ideas, not personalities
• no ad hominim attacks
• * work hard * be nice *

Other possible criteria:

Use academic register

valid (logical/proven)

GUM (grammar, usage, mechanics)

succinct

reflective/thoughtful/make connections

Uses for discussion boards

debate/arguement

dialog/build ideas

reflection

evaluation

creation

role play

describe process