In-Class Exercise: Discussion Prompts

In-class discussion is an essential part of the learning process for this class. The discussion includes reflection on your own creative process, analysis of the work of others, and clarifying your understanding of facts and skills.

Meaningful discussion hinges on a number of elements, including individual engagement with the experience, clear reflection on one’s own understanding, honest comments, genuine questions, respectful listening, and trust in the group response.

Objectives

The objective of this exercise is to reflect on the process of discussion and identify several heuristics for overcoming hesitancy.

Reflection

A good rule of thumb for attending any talk or lecture is that you should be able to generate at least one question in response. Ideally this question should reflect understanding of the substance rather than simply clarifying. A good starting point for questioning is to identify your own general points of inquiry to relate the content to your own agenda.

In the next few minutes, please jot down answers to the following questions:

  1. What is one specific skill you hope to develop by the end of the semester?

  2. What is one way you expect this course to affect your existing creative process?

  3. What expertise will you most enjoy bringing into the coursework?

Discussion

  1. For the next few minutes, please share your questions among your seat neighbors. Please elect one person to speak for the group.

  2. Each table representative will share a few samples of each question with the whole class.

Conclusion

A few prompts is enough to provide an individual lens through which to view any work. If you are ever at a loss of what to ask or say in class, these can provide a starting point. We will revisit these questions from time to time as we proceed; please keep evolving this list in your mind.

And as we go, I’d like you to reflect privately on your strengths and weaknesses at classroom participation. If you are hesitant to speak out, what are your fears? If you are always first to raise a hand, what is your motivation?

As the semester proceeds, please let us all be mindful of maintaining a respectful and safe environment for sharing our thoughts and perceptions.