Step 1: Work collaboratively to set discussion rules and guidelines.
a) Meet with the other participant or participants before the discussion to develop a plan.
b) Confirm the topic and text(s) that will be the basis of the discussion by asking relevant and insightful questions.
c) Set clear goals that include deadlines for preparation, the schedule of the discussion, the length of the discussion, and the roles of each discussion member.
d) Determine roles of each participant.
e) Determine the purpose of the discussion and the audience.
f) Decide on the formality of the discussion and rules for consensus, vote-taking, and the presentation of alternate viewpoints.
g) As a pair or group, acknowledge any areas of ambiguity in the decisions made and make a commitment regarding tolerance for the unknown growing into the discussion.
h) Review the criteria in the rubric that will be used for evaluation of the discussion.
Step 2: Prepare your evidence.
a) Read the text and any additional information needed for you to thoroughly understand the topic.
b) Gather facts, examples, and anecdotes about the topic, and cite your sources.
c) Determine your viewpoint based on your opinion of the facts you have gathered.
d) Take notes to organize your viewpoint with evidence that supports each main idea.
e) Research definitions for any terms and concepts you plan to present during the discussion.
Step 3: Participate in a formal discussion.
a) Come to the discussion prepared.
b) Engage in meaningful and respectful discourse by taking turns listening and speaking.
c) Use notes from your research to present your viewpoint.
d) Support each point you make with evidence.
e) Listen to questions raised by the other participant or participants. Respond thoughtfully.
f) Take notes as you listen. Ask relevant and insightful questions where appropriate. Reflect on points made, summarize perspectives, and build on ideas.
g) Acknowledge where you agree and disagree with others. Tolerate a range of positions about the topic. When needed, justify your views based on the reasoning presented.
h) Help participants stay focused on the topic.
i) Speak clearly, using an appropriate volume, rate of speech, and formal language.
j) Keep eye contact as you speak and listen.
k) Use body language to show that you are engaged in the discussion and interacting as part of a team.
Step 4: Reflect on the discussion.
a) Think about how you acted as a speaker in presenting your views.
b) Consider how well you listened and followed the ground rules of the discussion.
c) Reflect on how the other participant or participants made their points and provided evidence.
d) Evaluate the clarity and coherence of a speaker's message.
e) Critique the impact of a speaker's use of diction and syntax.
f) Take notes on your overall impressions of how effectively participants discussed the topic.
Step 5: Prepare a written response that evaluates the discussion.
a) Using a word-processing program, write a two- to three-paragraph evaluation of the discussion.
b) Consider these questions when writing your response.
What did you do to prepare for the discussion? How prepared were you?
What rules were created for the discussion? Did the team engage in meaningful and
respectful discourse by following the rules?
How well did you present your viewpoint?
How did your own perspective affect the way you presented your views? Explain.
How successful were you at listening and responding to participants?
How did you use evidence to explain and defend your views, including when someone
disagreed with you?
In what ways did other participants use reasoning and evidence to make their points?
Were there any times when someone did not use evidence or when the evidence did not
match the viewpoint presented? Did a participant exaggerate or distort information?
Explain.
Was there a time when someone’s perspective differed from your own? How did that
person’s perspective influence his or her viewpoint? Explain.
How did you respond to perspectives that differed from your own?
How was your language appropriate to the topic, purpose, and audience? Give an Copyright © Edgenuity Inc.

Student Guide (continued)
example.
How did your use of diction and syntax impact the audience?
What kinds of hand gestures and facial expressions did you and other people use to
match what was being said?
How did you use eye contact, the volume of your voice, or other means to connect with
others during the discussion?
How well did participants solve problems and come to consensus?
Overall, how effective was the discussion?
Step 6: Revise and submit your written response.
a) Read over your response to make sure that you have addressed each question completely.
b) Revise, edit, and save your written response.
c) Submit your response. Congratulations on completing your evaluation!

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