Posts made by Gina Bennett

oooo Karen, I *like* that idea! Like you say, I think this could be a good way to keep the conversation going.

I'm not sure there's anything wrong with this as a discussion prompt... Personally, I find it more difficult to respond to a "negative" suggestion (i.e. guarantee a lackluster response) but when you explain how this can work from a TRIZ perspective, it makes sense.

Perhaps to add just a little twist to the directions, re-write comme ca:

What are some things you could say in a discussion prompt that would guarantee a lackluster response from your students?

Be boring! Be verbose! We look forward to your ideas.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A bit off-topic but ... as I contemplate further what causes lackluster responses, I think about vague, complicated requests that sound like a lot of work. Remember the Final Exam?

>>What are the reasons you look forward to speaking to these people? What are the reasons you'd rather find help elsewhere?

Wow, Faith, I find these to be particularly generative questions. These questions are worded in such a way that I immediately feel myself in the role of somebody vulnerable, trying to deal with some sort of government official. The wording evokes an emotional response in me & makes me keen to respond to this post.

The more experience I get, the more I appreciate the value of a good question & I think you've done a great job with this!

I wonder if this activity (taking sides on an issue or subject) is something that happens in the workplace? Maybe a chef & sous-chef each defending their choice of dessert for a really important dinner? Or deciding whether to add a gluten-free menu even though it would mean extra expense? If this kind of thing does happen, maybe this would be a really worthwhile exercise to help students learn how to argue their point convincingly & accurately (i.e. WITHOUT the mayhem & confrontation).

I'm thinking that for this activity to provide the benefits of a true discussion, I'll need to encourage dialogue. To do this, I'm wondering if it might be better to post an easier first step & then pose additional questions in response to how the conversation evolves. So... 2 specific musings:

Instead of asking for 5 questions right off the bat, should I suggest the first participant should post only ONE question, and each participant add one to the list?
maybe this would work best using Moodle's Q & A forum, in which a participant must first post their response before they can view other participants' posts?