Setting the Context for Discussion

Set expectations for discussion and help students engage in the discussion by reviewing the text and the ideas contained within the text.

•  Let students know that, for this discussion, there are no "right" or "wrong" answers.  The goal of the discussion session is to explore the text paying close attention to the variety of responses it will stimulate.  Everyone's perspective is valid. Part of college level inquiry is the ability to consider texts/situations from multiple points of view.

•  That said, it is also fine to disagree with what other people say, to have your own opinion.  But these should be expressed in a respectful way (see the Facilitation FAQs for more information about specific scenarios).

•  Set the context for discussions.  Share some of your own questions/knowledge/reactions in reading Federalist 10 and the other texts.  By briefly sharing your own thoughts, questions, and experiences, you encourage students to take risks of their own and share their thoughts. Use the resources in the context and resources section of this guide to assist you.

•  It may have been a month or longer since the students have read the material.  When citing specific passages, it might be helpful to have students read out loud the passage under discussion, and/or to have students supplement that with their own reconstruction of what they understood that passage/section to mean.

•  Consider an un-graded quiz to spark thinking. For instance: Whether you have or have not studied the constitution, how familiar are you with what is contained in that document, and within the Bill of Rights?

A. I am VERY familiar with the contents of the Constitution, and could identify each of the first 10 amendments

B. I am somewhat familiar with the contents of the Constitution, and could identify parts of some of the first 10 amendments

C. I am only partly familiar with the Constitution, and would not be able to identify much in the Bill of Rights.

D. I am really not at all familiar with the contents of the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, but I know they exist and are important.

From: http://online.chabotcollege.edu/shildreth/isls/federalist/resources.html