Good and Bad Behaviour in Academic Group DiscussionsOnline version A video quiz on discussion skills using a video from PolyU ELC, Hong Kong, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy7drPXqzps by Joss X 1 What did the members of the group do which was inappropriate in an academic discussion? (Select as many as necessary) Select one or more answers a Disengaged posture and body language, and lack of eye contact b Distracted behaviours, e.g. fidgeting with personal belongings or swinging on the chair c Taking over or dominating the discussion d Using vague, unknown or unreliable sources e Impolite behaviour, tone and turn taking f Having private communication within the group - Becoming emotional, aggressive or defensive to others - Not keeping up with what the group is discussing - Providing only vague or repetitive responses 2 What did the group members do differently this time to make the discussion more effective and inclusive? Select one or more answers a Make frequent eye contact with all members b Use positive posture and body language c Avoid distraction with personal belongings etc. d Take turns politely and constructively e Listen to each other attentively f Maintain objectivity and appropriate conduct - Contribute ideas meaningfully and constructively - Use appropriate academic and scholarly sources - Providing only vague or repetitive responses 3 What is one area on which the group REALLY needs improvement? (Select only one answer) Select one or more answers a Better dress: the group are dressed too casually for an academic discussion. b More debate: the group spend too much time sharing ideas, so it's impossible to see who won the discussion. c More exploration: the group cover many topics but without much depth. d Provide more information: each group member speaks only a short time before the turn changes; they each need to provide more information before changing turns. e Listen to each other attentively f Maintain objectivity and appropriate conduct - Contribute ideas meaningfully and constructively - Use appropriate academic and scholarly sources - Providing only vague or repetitive responses Explanation 1 The group did ALL of these things! Go back and watch the clip again to try to find them all. 2 The group did ALL of these things! Watch the segment again to see when and how they did them. 3 REASON FOR THE ANSWER: The group needed to explore the topics they raised more deeply. In 2 minutes, the discussion had FOUR TOPIC CHANGES! Each change in topic was constructive and meaningful, but none of the four topics were explored at any depth. OTHERWISE, The students are dressed appropriately. An academic discussion doesn't mean it is an overly formal environment. Too much formality could even reduce the effectiveness of the discussion. It's also a DISCUSSION not a debate. The purpose is to share ideas and explore them together, NOT to "win". FINALLY, this is NOT A PRESENTATION. Topics should be explored through follow-up questions, turn-taking and shared exploration.