Leading a class discussion
5% of quarter grade
discussions take place throughout the quarter
Each class member will lead at least one and probably two class discussions this quarter.   Leading a class discussion entails guiding the class through approximately twenty minutes of analysis and interpretation of the piece of writing in question.   Prepare by reading the assigned piece several times, then generate a list of questions.   Come in to class with ample questions, more than you will need.   Rather than fashioning questions that require one word or very simple responses, create questions that require complex answers, ones that can be approached in multiple ways.   In essence, you are looking to provoke discussion and even debate among the class's participants.  
Once you have taken the discussion leader's seat, do not try to rush things.   If you throw out a question to which no one responds, wait a moment.   Be patient!   Silently count to ten; give people time to think of something to say.   If the silence lasts long enough, someone will speak!   While preparing, keep the following three points in mind:
While it is important to examine and evaluate the piece's rhetorical qualities, attempting to touch on all of the above items may result in a deadly dull classroom experience.   In other words, mechanically running down a list of predictable questions will stifle discussion.   Do not ask such questions as "who are the intended readers?" "who are the invoked readers?" "what kind of appeal is the author making," "what is the warrant here?" and so on.   Such a flat-footed approach will put everyone to sleep.   Instead, try to weave these rhetorical considerations into a broader approach, one that concentrates on the essay's claim. Do not attempt to do all (or even most) of the talking yourself.   In fact, in most cases, the less you find yourself saying, the better you are doing.   Successfully completing this assignment means inviting all of the individuals in the class to make verbal contributions.   Remember that class participation makes up 10% of each class member's grade, so give everyone ample opportunity to speak.   If you see that someone hasn't said anything, direct a specific question to him or her.   Lastly, try to respond to others constructively--that is, follow up on their ideas with thoughtful comments of your own. |