Arguments
I like to explain to students that they need to work through the issues, like in a real world scenario.
Donna,
this is a great way to prepare them for the course; I am a big believer in setting the stage for the class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think it's very important to set the scene before the first discussion begins. The first class of the quarter I explain that we will be participating in several discussions during the quarter. All comments will be polite and respectful. All comments should be supported by facts and logic, and students will be asked to provide the sources for their information. This encourages the students to research in advance. Finally, from the beginning, we all have to acknowledge that there will be times when students agree to disagree. Allowing these types of discussions requires careful monitoring (so that no one becomes upset or disrespectful), but they can be very exciting and informative. This is excellent preparation for the work force, since we do not typically choose our co-workers, who may have very divergent views and lifestyles.
Ashlee,
this is a great idea, especially since a key skill for students to learn is how to disagree in the right way.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sometimes as group projects we have our student participate in debates on real live clinical topics. This way they constructively "argue" and have to make valid points!
Maryna,
I agree that when we show our students this kind of care & consideration it helps to reduce many of the arguments. They may not always agree with us but when they know we care they tend to reduce the arguments.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I always give my student positive reinforsment and encouragement and this is helps to reduce classic arguments.
A great idea. One of the areas most students struggle with is that of respectfully and appropriately disagreeing with a peer. This method helps all students learn from this situation.
Ryan
I use these moments to highlight the issues and the merits of all positions and make it external to students involved.
This is right on. Interestingly, I have found that encouraging active listening skills in students helps to reduce classic arguments that are often cross-talk.
In every class, regardless of the content I always discuss the concept of and how important it is to learn how to "disagree" without being "disagreeable" -- this is a learned behavior and must be practiced!
Employers want to hire people who can play nicley in the sandbox together.
I always encourage my students to 'debate an issue' instead of 'arguing.' This helps both parties recognize they disagree, but makes them create a logical case for their position.
