"Is Cheerleading a Sport?"
Discussion Tip Handout

The following are some useful terms for setting ground rules and conducting class discussions:

Text:
What you've read, seen, or heard that can be referenced during the discussion

Discussion:
An unpredictable exchange of ideas on a given topic by people who listen to each other, respond to each other, and speak in turn. Discussion differs from conversation because of the intensity, controversy, and intellectual level of the topic. Discussion differs from argument because of the organization and civility of the participants.

Debate:
Discussion differs from debate because in a discussion, participants are free to change their opinions, whereas in a debate, the purpose is to assert and defend a particular stance on an issue.

Discussion Degeneration:
Discussion breaks down when any of the following conditions occur:
  • 1) the topic digresses to the point where it is no longer recognizable;
  • 2) everyone speaks at once to that no one is listening;
  • 3) ideas fail to advance because of repetitiveness;
  • 4) ad hominem attack;
  • 5) obvious lack of seriousness of purpose by one or more members.
Ad Hominem Attack:
A degeneration of discussion characterized by a personal attack rather than an address to the person's ideas

Working Definition:
An agreed-upon definition of a key term for purposes of the discussion. It is stated in conversational language and applies to the subject at hand. Working definitions are essential for discussion, and form an integral part of the discussion itself, so that everyone is playing with the same cards at the outset.

Civility:
A tone set by the members of the group, which fosters respect and encourages communication. Patient listening, eye contact, acknowledgment of what someone has said as well as their right to say it, diplomacy, and overall good manners establish it. It is an essential element of discussion to the point that discussion is impossible without it.

Body language:
Make sure you ensure students pay attention to eye contact, presence, gesture, facial expression, and tone of voice. This communicates on a stronger level than your actual words.

Involvement:
The display of body language, which indicates that you are a part of the discussion, whether you are actually speaking, or not, a.k.a.: undivided attention.

Concept Understanding:
The ability to generate specific examples, non-examples and ambiguities for a given concept, the finding of which generates discussion.

Concept Flexibility:
The broadest and narrowest interpretations of a concept, the finding of which generates discussion (see below)

Broadest Interpretation:
The example that stretches the concept as far as it will go and no further. It is the most general, loosest example of a concept. Example: If the concept is family, what would be the most loosely defined group of people who could call themselves a family?

Narrowest Interpretation:
The most specific definition, anything more specific than this will not be considered part of the concept. Example: If the concept is family, what would be the smallest group of people who could call themselves a family?

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