Meta-discussion

Noticing a trend after only a few class discussions, I am concerned that our conversations have or will soon become redundant. At times I am frustrated by the frequent redundancy of opinion sharers, topics discussed, and general life-experience based support of opinion.

In addressing my first complaint, I really want to urge that more people try to share their opinions in class. After reading the previously posted blogs authored by my classmates, I noticed that a lot of people electronically voiced questions that the class discussions have engendered. I know that sometimes it can be difficult to find your voice during a class discussion, but I feel like too many of the questions posted by my classmates on the blogs are too insightful, contentious, or refreshingly original to not offer to the class as topics of discussion during classroom discourse. I also noticed that a fellow student blogged about being frustrated by things discussed in class that he finds to be “completely wrong”. I’m sure everyone might feel this way at some point and I would really love if classmates voiced their opposition in class. The discussion will not only benefit from varying opinions, but contradicting a classmate’s opinion can also be personally satisfying. Similarly, I would urge anyone who feels like they are talking a lot to perhaps sit back and listen a little more and allow certain people, who are slow to jump in, a chance to share their opinions. Some people, although they have great opinions, are a little hesitant to share, and self-monitoring your own “floor time” might help these students and consequently the conversation.

My second and third complaint to me, seem to go hand in hand. I really hope that everyone actually reads the assigned readings. I think that the topics in the readings should help spark new discussion topics and referring to the reading in supporting your own personal opinion probably won’t hurt your argument or ethos.

I know that I may sound hypercritical and possibly hypocritical, but I would really love to hear different opinions in class and think that our class discussion could only benefit from the contribution of everyone.