Respectful Classroom Discussion

1. Respectful Classroom Discussion Interpretation of Literature Jennifer Yirinec

2. Respecting Difference “In the end we are all separate: our stories, no matter how similar, come to a fork and diverge. We are drawn to each other because of our similarities, but it is our differences we must learn to respect.” — Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe We all view the world differently, each with a unique perspective influenced by our • Embodied experience • Personal history/ lived experience • Sense of ourselves • Gender • Race • Nationality • Religion • Personal philosophy Although we may constructively question and probe the foundations of our opinions, beliefs, and values, we are not here to call anyone’s worldview “wrong” or to invalidate anyone’s experience. The key is to combine critical inquiry with respect.

3. Respectful Discussion: General Principles • Silence or turn off your cell phones and remove them from view. • When someone else is speaking, listen attentively to that person. • Do not laugh at, mock, make negative facial expressions or body language toward, or belittle in any way the comments of your peers or the instructor. Try to be conscious of your reactions and the impression they might give off to those around you. • Frame your comments as personal reactions, not as factual statements: “I feel . . .” or “I believe . . .” or “I see in this . . .” rather than “Clearly this shows . . .” The Golden Rule of Discussion: Respond to others’ commentsas you would like your own to be responded to.

4. Expressing Agreement Reiterate/restate point previously made with which you agree. Credit the person who made that point. Explain why you appreciate or agree with the comment. • “ I agree with you because . . .” • “I like the point [Student Name] made because . . .” • “I appreciate _____ about your comment.” • “I see what you mean. I also noted ____.” • “I agree. Another example of this can be found . . .” • “I agree with [Student Name] on [a certain point], though I would complicate it by saying . . .”

5. Expressing Disagreement Indicate, implicitly or explicitly, that you appreciate the difference of opinion. Position your comment in relation to the other comment and account for the difference. Do not attack or belittle the views of others. • “While I understand [this point made], I rather think . . .” • “I appreciate [Student Name’s] comment that ___, but I think . . .” • “[Student Name] makes a good point, but I would argue . . .” • “I respectfully disagree because . . .” • “I disagree with that point because . . .”