Making
your voice heard
How to participate and
contribute to the discussion of ideas
(in the American Classroom)
(in the American Classroom)
At the appropriate time in classroom
discussions, don't be afraid to voice your opinion, even if you differ from
your professor or classmates. Your opinion can and should be based on the text,
other readings, class discussions, library sources, experts in the topic, as
well as your own experience.
§ In class, listen
carefully to what a professor or other students are saying
§ Mark or make notes of
the points you wish to answer or discuss or question
Remember: a question is as valuable as an opinion in the course of discussion. It shows that you are trying to understand others, as well as be understood!
Remember: a question is as valuable as an opinion in the course of discussion. It shows that you are trying to understand others, as well as be understood!
§ Introduce your contribution
with a quick summary of the discussion or point... "As I understand
it...."
Restating the discussion/author's main idea also shows that you are trying to understand, and shows where you are in understanding
It is very likely that if you have questions or information, others will share them
Restating the discussion/author's main idea also shows that you are trying to understand, and shows where you are in understanding
It is very likely that if you have questions or information, others will share them
§ Be certain it is clear
to the class and professor when you are summarizing and when you are giving
your opinion
§ Try to keep your
comments to the point and don't hesitate to refer to your notes: logic is not a
speed test...
§ In making an argument,
begin with examples from the author or teacher (imitation can be a form of
flattery), but generally use your own examples to show your agreement with
their point of view. This demonstrates independent thinking which should be valued
in an academic setting
§ After you have spoken,
it is appropriate to ask for feedback
if others understand what you have said if others agree/disagree with you.
Demonstrate openness and dialogue: you should score points with your professor!
if others understand what you have said if others agree/disagree with you.
Demonstrate openness and dialogue: you should score points with your professor!
Assumptions:
§ A sense of competition
underlies the informality of American classrooms
§ First listen and try to
understand others' opinions
Respect theirs, and insist on being respected for yours
Respect theirs, and insist on being respected for yours
§ Focus your contribution
on your analysis of the topic, your reaction, your opinion, and finally your
openness to understand others.
§ Voicing a well-informed
opinion is important to your overall academic evaluation
§ Evaluations are made by
professors throughout the semester;
Final grades are not simply determined by your score on the final exam.
Final grades are not simply determined by your score on the final exam.
If discussion is based upon
readings:
§ Study course lectures,
articles, texts
§ Find the author's thesis
and restate it in your own words
§ Decide what your opinion
or reaction is to the author's thesis
Reference link:
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