Discussion Lead Guidelines
Each student in the class will take on the role of discussion lead once or twice during the course of the semester. Discussion leads take responsibility for facilitating class discussion on specific readings in a team comprised of all leads for a given week. During the first weeks of class, students will be select one or two readings for which they will serve as lead.
As facilitators, leads: 1) become relative experts on the texts; 2) identify key themes that link the set of readings and/or are significant in the ethnography, 3) develop and share discussion questions; 4) work to involve wide participation in class discussion.
The process of preparing for this role is comprised of the following steps:
1. Meeting together as team. Prior to a given class period, discussion leads meet together as a group to solidify their understanding of individual readings and/or chapters, consider thematic linkages between them, and develop a coordinated set of discussion questions. Students are encouraged to meet with the course instructor to discuss these points in preparation for class discussion.
2. Post reading annotations and questions. Write a short (1-2 paragraph) annotation of the article or book chapters(s) (see instructions on SOAN 285 Moodle page). The annotation is posted the night prior to class.
3. Consider posting mass media item associated with reading. You are encouraged take this opportunity to post a mass media item, with commentary, to be integrated into class discussion.