Hi everyone: Does anyone here require their students to develop and submit potential discussion questions on the assigned readings to be used as a basis for discussion in a given class period? I've done this occasionally in the past on a somewhat sporadic basis that wasn't integrated very well into the entire course, but am thinking about making this a more central part of my course.
My goal for doing this is to get students to read the material before the class session, to process the information deeply enough so that they can pose thoughtful and intelligent questions for futher discussion in class (not just "What is psychoanalysis?" but rather "What are the similarities and differences between psycholoanalysis and more contemporary object-relations therapies?"), and to help create a classroom environment that encourages greater participation and discussion. For instance, if a class meets weekly on Tuesday, I would require that each student read the material and submit two thoughtful discussion questions by Monday afteroon. I would then review the questions and use that as a springboard for the class session on Tuesday. This way I wouldn't be presenting a dry lecture on material that they may or may not have read, but I would be helping them to learn the material by facilitating a discussion on particular questions and issues that intrigued them. Some questions I have for you: How to I encourage students to actually read the material and develop thoughtful question instead of just skimming through the chapter and turning the headings into questions? Do I make this part of their grade? If I do, should I give more points for questions that demonstrate a deeper processing of the material? Has anyone here ever done something like this on a regular basis with your courses? How did it work out? Any pitfalls I should be aware of or things I should do to help ensure the success of this activity? Thanks in advance for your help with these questions. Rod Hetzel ______________________________________________ Roderick D. Hetzel, Ph.D. Department of Psychology LeTourneau University Post Office Box 7001 2100 South Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75607-7001 Office: Heath-Hardwick Hall 115 Phone: 903-233-3312 Fax: 903-233-3246 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage: http://www.letu.edu/people/rodhetzel --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
