INLS 180: Human Information Interactions

Fall 2003 (Section 001)

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Discussion Sessions: Class Ground Rules

For all:
Respectful communication! Don't get personal.

For participants:
Jump in when you have something to say--no need to raise your hand.
Shoot for no more than 2 minutes per speaking turn.
Don't monopolize the floor.
Let other people finish sentences/ideas before you jump in.
Read the articles and be prepared.
Don't split hairs (don't get caught up in semantic or trivial arguments).
Don't "play to win": be willing to concede others' points.
Be willing to acknowledge different backgrounds and different approaches.

For leaders:
Acknowledge visual cues from people wishing to speak.
Direct the conversation.
Provide opportunities for everyone (esp. quieter people) to have chances to speak.
Keep the "vision": come to class with a framework for discussion in mind and don't let the conversation wander too wildly
Encourage participation by directing questions to individuals if necessary.
Challenge the status quo: deconstruct the assumptions everyone agrees with, and conversely, try to bridge the gap during disagreements.
Keep an eye out for hairsplitting and help the group move on.
Support the group.

Christy Adessa Wilkens