Purpose Write a response that evaluates a group discussion.
Summary
In this assignment, you will have a discussion with at least two peers. Your discussion will be planned
on a topic that all participants have researched. You will then reflect on your experiences planning,
speaking, and listening through a written evaluation. You will complete the assignment by submitting
your response.
Assignment Instructions
Step 1: Work collaboratively to set discussion rules and guidelines.
a) Meet with other participants before the discussion to develop a plan.
b) Confirm that the team knows the topic and text/s that will be the basis of the discussion.
c) Set clear goals with the team that include deadlines for preparation, the schedule of the
discussion, the length of the discussion, and the roles of each discussion member.
d) Decide on how the role of the moderator will function (with the aid of a teacher or another
adult).
e) Determine the purpose of the discussion and the audience.
f) Decide on the formality of the discussion and rules for consensus, vote taking, and presentation
of alternate viewpoints.
Step 2: Prepare your evidence.
a) Read the text and any additional texts needed to so that you thoroughly understand the topic.
b) Gather facts, examples, and anecdotes about the topic, including source citations.
c) Determine your viewpoint based on your opinion of the facts you’ve gathered.
d) Take notes to organize your viewpoint with evidence that supports each main idea.
e) Research definitions for any terms and concepts you plan to present during the discussion.
Step 3: Participate in a formal group discussion.
a) Come to the discussion prepared.
b) Takes turns listening and speaking.
c) Use notes from your research to present your viewpoint.
d) For each point you make, give support with evidence.
e) Listen to questions raised by the moderator and other participants. Respond thoughtfully.
f) Take notes as you listen. Reflect on points made, summarize perspectives, and build on ideas.
g) Acknowledge where you agree and disagree with others, and, when you need to, justify your
views based on the reasoning presented.
h) Help the group stay focused on the topic.
i) Speak clearly, using an appropriate volume, rate of speech, and formal language.
j) Keep eye contact as you speak and listen.
k) Use body language to show that you are engaged and interacting as part of a team.
Step 4: Reflect on the group discussion.
a) Think about how you acted as a speaker in presenting your views.
b) Consider how well you listened and followed the ground rules of the discussion.
c) Reflect on how other participants made their points and provided evidence.
d) Take notes on your overall impressions of how effectively the group discussed the topic.
Step 5: Prepare a written response that evaluates the group discussion.
a) Using a word-processing program, write a two- to three-paragraph evaluation of the discussion.
b) Include responses to these questions in your evaluation:
 What did you do to prepare in advance for the discussion? How well prepared were you?
 What rules were created for the discussion? Were they followed?
 How well did you present your viewpoint?
 How did your own background knowledge, experience, values, or beliefs affect the way
you presented your views? Explain.
 How successful were you at listening and responding to other group members?
 How did you use evidence to explain and defend your views, including when someone
disagreed with you?
 In what ways did other participants use reasoning and evidence to make their points?
 Were there any times when someone didn’t use evidence or the evidence didn’t match
the viewpoint presented? Did a participant exaggerate or distort information? Explain.
 Was there a time when someone’s viewpoint differed from your own? What might have
influenced his or her opposing viewpoint? Explain.
 How was your language grammatically correct and appropriate to the topic, purpose,
and audience? Give an example.
 What kinds of hand gestures and facial expressions did you and other people use to
match what was being said?
 How did you use eye contact, the volume of your voice, or other means to connect with
others during the discussion?
 How well did the group solve problems and come to consensus?
 Overall, how effective was the group discussion?