A note on class discussions.

Much of what we do over the coming weeks and this year will involve class discussions, both large group and small. In order for these discussions to be productive, we need to know what makes a good conversation work. What does an ideal group discussion look like, sound like? Below are a few guidelines.

• Everyone contributes, not one person or any group of people dominates. In short, seek to achieve balance.
  
• Sticks to point. Mentions only relevant information and does so concisely.
• Covers specifics rather than general or vague points.
• Covers both breadth and depth.
• Has flow; goes somewhere. Arrives at a conclusion or new question.
• Cites page references; takes us into the text.
• Makes connections (intra-textual, inter-textual, personal, world, etc.) and draws conclusions--constellates.
  
• Allows for creativity.