NRES 467/667
Guidelines for student-led discussions
Guidelines for student-led discussions
The discussion should include 1) summary of major points of topic discussed, 2) information from assigned reading materials and additional materials researched by the group, and 3) presentation of some new material, a new perspective on the topic, or a case study related to the topic, or an alternative view may be presented. The presentation should set the stage for discussion and pose interesting questions for a lively exchange of ideas.
The most important rule of engagement for both participants and discussion leaders is to stay on topic.
Participating in discussions
Everyone in class is expected to participate and be respectful and involved in the discussion. Students will be judged both on quantity and quality of their participation.
Moderating discussion
The discussion should start off with an initial 10-15 minute presentation including a review of the major points covered in class, and some relevant new material, or specific perspective on the topic, or introduce a case study, or alternative view that will set the stage and pose interesting questions for a lively exchange of ideas. The discussion questions should focus on specific topics rather than global politics. There is lots of information in the readings to use as the basis for the discussion, or you can address topics touched on but not discussed in detail in the class. The moderators are charged with ensuring that the discussion stays on topic, and should be prepared to revive the discussion if everyone falls silent by bringing up new issues and questions.
Schedule for student-led discussions
Written requirements
Moderators for the same topic should plan the discussion together, i.e. decide and prepare material for the introductory part, divide topics/roles, etc. Moderators will prepare a group outline for the discussion documenting the result of the planning process (due before the class). In addition, each moderator will hand in their own outline of the points to discuss (bulleted list with brief explanation is enough), and resources they used to prepare for the discussion (due before the class).
The most important rule of engagement for both participants and discussion leaders is to stay on topic.
Participating in discussions
Everyone in class is expected to participate and be respectful and involved in the discussion. Students will be judged both on quantity and quality of their participation.
Moderating discussion
The discussion should start off with an initial 10-15 minute presentation including a review of the major points covered in class, and some relevant new material, or specific perspective on the topic, or introduce a case study, or alternative view that will set the stage and pose interesting questions for a lively exchange of ideas. The discussion questions should focus on specific topics rather than global politics. There is lots of information in the readings to use as the basis for the discussion, or you can address topics touched on but not discussed in detail in the class. The moderators are charged with ensuring that the discussion stays on topic, and should be prepared to revive the discussion if everyone falls silent by bringing up new issues and questions.
Schedule for student-led discussions
Date |
Topic |
Discussion leaders |
| 5-Feb | Population | Kelly, Carly, Thomas, Brad |
| 26-Feb | Energy (and field trip) | Austin, Jenna, Ashley, Brain |
| 6-Mar | Climate change | Juan, Mark, Josh, Rob |
| 20-Mar | Mining (and field trip) | Kevin, Tamara, Jordan N, Cole |
| 15-Apr | Water | John, Jennifer, Natasha |
| 6-May | Environmental policy | Annie, Eric, Heidi, Jimmy |
Written requirements
Moderators for the same topic should plan the discussion together, i.e. decide and prepare material for the introductory part, divide topics/roles, etc. Moderators will prepare a group outline for the discussion documenting the result of the planning process (due before the class). In addition, each moderator will hand in their own outline of the points to discuss (bulleted list with brief explanation is enough), and resources they used to prepare for the discussion (due before the class).
