Unit 2: Lesson 2: Discussions

Question 1

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What are discussions

Answer 1

a group communication where ideas and information are shared

Question 2

What is a debate?

Answer 2

a formal contest on a set issue with two sides taking opposing viewpoints

Question 3

What does argumentation mean?

Answer 3

argumentation – the process of using logical reasoning to move from a thesis statement to a conclusion

Question 4

What does evidence mean?

Answer 4

the facts, documentation or testimony used to strengthen a claim

Question 4

What does reason mean?

Answer 4

statements of support for claims

Question 5

What does adjudicator

Answer 5

a judge in a competition

Question 6

What does counterclaim mean

Answer 6

a statement that refutes or contradicts a previous claim

Question 6

What does claim mean?

Answer 6

a statement that is the main argument

Question 7

What does active listening mean

Answer 7

giving full attention to a speaker and responding in a way that improves mutal understading

Question 7

What are the rules of a debate

Answer 7

In a debate, two individuals or two teams take opposing positions on a topic and engage in a formal type of argumentation. Using a set of predetermined rules, participants rely on both evidence and reason to support their claim and counterclaims. Rules ensure that everyone in the debate is given the same amount of time to speak, with warning bells going off if they exceed their allotted time. At the conclusion of a debate, an adjudicator determines who defended their claim the best and declares a winner. In some cases, a vote is taken to identify the audience’s choice of winner.

Question 8

What should you when partcipating in debates and discussions?

Answer 8

Participating in debates and discussions requires a method known as active listening. In addition to listening carefully and responding appropriately, debates and discussions require good manners (no interrupting!) and a willingness to participate and be involved at all levels. While the two types of communication certainly have an overlap, they go in significantly different directions when it comes to their overall purpose.

Question 9

So, how is a debate different from a discussion?

Answer 9

? Like debates, discussions rely on taking turns, being polite, and working together. The primary difference is in the goal of this form of communication. Instead of centering on competition, discussions are focused on cooperation. Discussions are not done to win, but instead their primary goal is to reach a consensus. Discussions are far less formal, with no set rules, warning bells, or adjudicators. Instead of sticking only to researched facts as evidence to support a debate’s claim, discussions often incorporate a variety of personal stories, opinions, and beliefs.

Question 10

How does a conclusion differ from a consensus?

Answer 10

A conclusion is the decision in a debate about which side won, while a consensus is a general agreement reached among members of a discussion group.

Question 10

How would the lack of rules likely impact individual levels of participation in a discussion?

Answer 10

Unlike a debate in which each person is given an allotted time to speak, in a discussion some people may talk a great deal and some might never say a word.

Question 10

What does consensus

Answer 10

a general agreement or majority opinion

Question 11

Why are adjudicators unnecessary in a discussion?

Answer 11

Discussions do not involve winners and losers, so there is no need for a judge to make a determination.

Question 12

What does brevity mean?

Answer 12

an economical use of words

Question 13

What does collaboration mean?

Answer 13

the process of working together with one or more people to achieve something

Question 14

What does clarity mean?

Answer 14

clearness of expression

Question 15

What does collegial discussion mean?

Answer 15

mutually respectful conversations between student colleagues in a group or classroom environment

Question 15

What does empathy mean?

Answer 15

understanding the feelings of other people

Question 16

What does material manger mean

Answer 16

a person who picks up, distributes, and collects materials used in a discussion

Question 17

What does nonverbal cues mean

Answer 17

the nonspeaking indicators a person uses to convey a message, such as facial expressions, body language, and hand gestures

Question 18

What does recorder mean

Answer 18

a person who takes notes on important thoughts or decisions in a group

Question 19

What does verbal cues mean

Answer 19

the tone and word choice a person uses to convey a message

Question 20

What is a collegial discussion?

Answer 20

these formal activities take place in a group setting and feature both basic rules and key roles for members. Members might be assigned the role of recorder or materials manager. Collegial discussions are planned carefully and center on a set issue or topic. Members work together to make decisions about what potential action steps need to be taken in the future.

Question 21

Taking part in collegial discussions means taking responsibility for the role you play. Even if you do not have an assigned position, as a general participant you will be expected to do several important things:

Answer 21

stick to the main topic or issue being discussed
demonstrate respect and empathy for other people’s ideas and opinions, even if you disagree with them
employ brevity and clarity when speaking
use active listening skills to encourage understanding of what others are expressing
work creatively with others to make the best decisions and reach a consensus.

Question 22

Where are collegial-style discussions found?

Answer 22

Collegial-style discussions are often used in a classroom, but you may also encounter them in the workplace or in volunteer work. Wherever they occur, remember that is your responsibility to participate, be polite, and perform your role.