Successful discussion participation requires an inquiring attitude and thorough preparation drawing on critical reading skills. As a critical reader, you should be able to: (a) prepare annotations and recognize how and why the essential elements in a text are connected; (b) identify assumptions and implicit meaning in the text; (c) determine the author’s stance, use of language, and ask critical questions in response to the arguments presented; and (d) share a personal reflective response.

In class, you will be expected to make important contributions to a small-group discussion by: (a) offering original comments/questions based on the reading; (b) building on and extending your peers’ responses; (c) critiquing the arguments and ideas of other participants referring to the text; (d) using new functional language, such as seeking clarification or interruption; and (e) taking on the role of a lead discussant when appropriate.

The discussion will be recorded for further analysis, as important as the discussion itself. At home, you should view the video and as the final task of the reading-based in-class activity, submit a 500-word (or 2-page) paper, addressing the following: (a) a summary of self-evaluation; (b) an action plan for improvement, including such as aspects as critical reading, participation, and language. This assignment will be assessed according to the following:

• Evidence of critical reading (4 points)
• Depth & relevance of points discussed (3 points)
• Initiating points of discussion (2 points)
• Rigorous response to peers’ points (2 points)
• Use of functional language (2 points)
• Performance self-evaluation (2 points)
• Summary & action plan (3 points)
• Readability of text (2 points)