History 310: Discussion Leading Assignment

For this assignment, each of you will be expected to lead, with a partner, part of the class discussion.

Guidelines:

1. Begin by getting together with your partner, and determining what you think is important in the reading.
2. Formulate at least four major questions that you plan to introduce for discussion.
3. Develop follow-up questions to engage the class as you work through your major questions. Thus for each of the major questions, have a sense of what you want to ask in order to let the discussion develop further.
4. Be prepared for the discussion to go in directions you hadn't anticipated. You should not be too controlling, nor should you allow significant digressions.
5. The following considerations will make it easier to handle this assignment:
   • Avoid yes or no questions.
   • Questions of a factual nature should be supporting questions only.
   • Identify issues in the reading that are able to develop into a good discussion.
   • Get a sense of how you and your partner will do this together.
   • Above all, have fun!

Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: March 15, 2012

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