Hi All: I really want to second Deb's sentiments. My inner attitude to students who suggest to me that they are intimidated in classroom dicussions is to say "get over it!" This is life! But I temper my outer response by starting with the "this is a part of real life" bit and go on to talk about things like being proactive for one's children when they are in school or needing to be proactive when taking care of one's elderly parents when the time comes....and for one's self throughout one's career --even if that career is nothing more than to be a professional member of the general society! they have to learn how to deal with confrontation, intimidation, and simply speaking up!
I'm also not willing to place blame completely on gender differences--I was ALWAYS the most outspoken person in my classes, as a student! Of course, it seems to have gotten me into a LOT of hot water throughout my life; but it's been colorful :-) But my point is I personally believe it is largely an individual difference and in smaller part a gender issue based on socialization and cultural mores. But I am willing to see evidence to dispel my belief if it is misconceived. annette On Wed, 6 Mar 2002, Deb Briihl wrote: > I teach two classes that require participation and one is in a debate > format. Students are required to present issues and the students in the > class are to ask them questions. I know that some of my students don't like > the debate format. What I tell my students is that this is a skill that > they should learn in college - just like writing, reading for content, etc. > If you ask students, most of them probably aren't really keen on the paper > writing or test taking or oral presentation or any number of things we ask > them to do - this is just another activity. Like it or not, people are not > going to be able to go through their lives never having to deal with a > confrontational person. Why not learn this skill in a relatively safe > environment (such as a classroom)? > > > > Deb > > Dr. Deborah S. Briihl > Dept. of Psychology and Counseling > Valdosta State University > Valdosta, GA 31698 > (229) 333-5994 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dbriihl/ > > Well I know these voices must be my soul... > Rhyme and Reason - DMB > > > --- > You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Annette Taylor, Ph. D. Department of Psychology E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] University of San Diego Voice: (619) 260-4006 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 "Education is one of the few things a person is willing to pay for and not get." -- W. L. Bryan --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
