(B) You will receive accumulating credit for contributing to our discussions on a regular basis. Even though the quality of such contributions are difficult to assess objectively, this component of the course deserves the same serious attention as all other course assignments.

(C) For example, in class I encourage you to describe and discuss your personal experiences as they relate to the content of the course. At times, you may want to go beyond the description of personal experience and begin to explore, react, make predictions (and so forth) in connection to our discussion topics, readings, e-mail exchanges, etc. Ideally, you should attempt to synthesize and analyze as opposed to merely summarizing or paraphrasing course content.

(D) When appropriate, I will make a conscientious effort to respond (as best I can) to your concerns as you voice them in the seminar. Other members of the class are encouraged to do the same. Sometimes these responses may be brief, occasionally they might be longer. For my part, I will try to focus our efforts upon answers to questions, sources where you can find additional information, recognition of sound insights, points of agreement or disagreement, personal experiences or opinions related to issues you have raised for discussion, etc. In general, I will try to keep my responses specific to the topics that concern you in order to help create an ongoing dialogue with you and with the other members of the class. Of course, all of us should attempt to develop ongoing and constructive dialogues between and among everyone present.

Some More Non-Binding Guidelines for Discussing Course Readings

1) In general, what is the reading about?

2) What are some of the major topics discussed by the author(s)?

3) Why are these topics important?    How do you know?

4) How do they related to L2 classroom teaching?

5) How do the topics relate to planning for classroom teaching?

6) Is there any recognizable progression or structure in the way in which the author(s) discussion unfolds?

7) What are some of the new terms or concepts introduced?

8) Are these important for L2 teachers to consider?  How do you know?

9) Did you learn anything new while reading this selection?    How is this useful?

10) What were some of the examples provided that might help to clarify the concepts being introduced?

11) Can you discuss connections between the reading(s) and themes already discussed in our course?

12) Can you discuss any connections between the reading(s) and your own experiences as a classroom teacher?     Or, as an L2 learner?
 

14) If the author(s) were here with us today, is there anything  you would like to explore further?  Any questions you would  like to ask?

 
Links to Related Websites on the World Wide Web

 What to do about Speaker's Anxiety (Sam Houston State University.)

Public speaking-- Tips and resources