Skip to main content

Leading a Discussion. Sort of. . .



Since mid-March, various student learning teams in my courses this semester have been leading classroom discussions on different topics that pertain to the courses I have run since January.  In my course on Scandinavian and Nordic Crime Fiction, the final team, comprised of three young men, brought our discussions this semester to a close on Monday this week with a presentation/talk on how many of these stories have been brought to the TV and theater screens in recent years.

The discussion in itself wasn't bad.  Obvious planning had gone into it, based on the assignment packet, which contains a specific prompt, grading rubric, and additional information on developing  and leading an effective 30-40-minute class discussion.  Their discussion questions, while a bit pedestrian, weren't completely horrible, and the class was reasonably well engaged.  The overall performance of the young men 'met expectations' a euphemistic  way of saying that their execution of the assignment earned a 'B,' according to the grading rubric used for the assignment.  Just. 

But, there were nevertheless a few problems that, frankly, ought not to be issues by the time people -- young adults don't forget --  reach their early 20s.  In particular when giving a talk or leading a discussion at the head of the room in front of others.  

There was late arrival on the part of one team member for starters.  The team had been aware of their assigned date for two months though.  Two team members suffered from a completely disheveled appearance, and one looked like he had rolled out of bed five or ten minutes previously given the bed head and still apparent wrinkles from his pillow across a cheek.  All three, in addition, read directly from their PowerPoint slides rather than look at their classmates.  

Then there were the audible sighs several times from a couple of team members and Beavis and Butthead snickering throughout.  Maybe one or more of them were nervous, or as high as kites by 10:20am, or they were not really interested in what their classmates had to say in response to the questions posed by the team in question?  Who knows?  I credit the 30 or other students present that morning, however, for making an effort to pay attention and participate in the various discussion activities planned by the team.

Suffice to say, while suits, neckties, and shined shoes might not have been necessary (or expected), alarm clocks, showers, a somewhat more pulled together appearance, and a slightly more polished, professional demeanor would, perhaps, have yielded a higher grade.  

I know, I know.  I'm such a mean, unreasonable so-and-so.  But, here's the thing.  In few short years, or even sooner than that in some cases, these late Millennials or Gen-Z'ers, depending on whatever you want to call them, will have to function cohesively and efficiently within the modern team-based, open plan office setting.  Presenting on a specific topic and then leading class discussion on it, while looking somewhat more presentable than is usually the case, is a convenient and even valuable way for young people to prepare themselves for real life.  The inevitable wake-up call involving a bucket of icy water to the face, in other words, that awaits most students post-graduation.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

Comments

Popular Posts

The Pleasaures of a Well-trained Dog. . .

  A few final photographs from my visit to my sister in Washington, D.C. last week.  These include  one of 'Mr. Beau,' my sister's meticulously trained and truly wonderful Doberman, another of my sister, second cousin, step-father, and yours truly on the steps of the church outside Lexington, North Carolina just after our late mother's interment service, two of me solo at the National Cathedral, and a final one of my sister and me hamming it up during a long evening walk the day before I returned to Michigan. My sister routinely walks to the cathedral, about three blocks from her place, to enjoy the grounds and gardens.  The Bishop's Garden, in particular, is a place she likes to sit for quiet contemplation and internal dialogues with our late maternal grandparents and mother, very much in keeping with the Episcopal side of things.  Our grandfather, who was raised Methodist, became an Episcopalian when he married our grandmother.   Before you ask, I am not sure tha

Avoid Careless Chatter. . .

    E specially about the personal details of our lives.  There is a lot that OUGHT to be kept more private in 2022 than has become the accepted norm for many.  With the conscious and intentional cultivation of classic style in mind, however, we want to avoid oversharing and keep a bit more of ourselves to ourselves.  Exactly what personal information and how much of it to keep private seems to be a slippery concept though.  Here’s my take based on what I was told and observed as a child and young person at home.  Basically, one should keep oneself to oneself in all respects (finances, personal worth, accomplishments, politics, sex, dirty laundry, etc.).  As my late father used to advise when we were very small, and I am talking preschool and kindergarten, there were particular subjects that were not discussed outside the immediate family.  There is a time and place for sharing certain details of one’s life, but most of the time, those should be played very close to the chest,

It's All about That Bass: Goodnight Tonight - Paul McCartney & Wings - 1979