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Suggestions for Good Class Participation

A good class participant:

• Speaks up, but does not monopolize a discussion.
• Takes responsibility for helping the class come alive: by offering examples and applications of the ideas studied and by making connections between material learned in this course and materials learned elsewhere
• Takes risks: by asking for more explanation and/or examples illustrating a particular point; by being honest about beliefs and doubts -- even if that means disagreeing with myself or students; by stating reasons for  an unpopular position even when you personally disagree with it; by suggesting alternate outcomes and interesting possibilities, even if they might not prove as plausible under closer scrutiny
• Asks questions or makes comments on the assigned readings which show a real attempt to understand the readings on your own
• Really listens to what others say as opposed to simply talking to impress people, without caring about the issues other students raise
• Takes responsibility for helping others in the class learn and be part of the discussion: by being patient and not interrupting others while they're talking or trying to express their views; by explaining ideas that another student or myself had a hard time understanding/explaining; by asking other students questions about statements they made -- either to offer suggestions on how to improve their ideas, or possible criticisms of which they must take account