Richard Ascough

Queen's University

School of Religion


229 Theological Hall
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
Canada, K7L 3N6

(613) 533-6000 x78066

fax: (613) 533-6879

rsa@queensu.ca

http://
post.queensu.ca/~rsa

Effective contribution to the learning environment incorporates a variety of behaviors:

            Preparation – your contributions should demonstrate that you have read the materials carefully and have come prepared with thoughtful questions and reactions.

            Critical Thinking – your contributions should demonstrate an ability to analyze the core ideas and practices and you articulate the underlying assumptions.

            Reasoning – you should use evidence and logic in shaping arguments and your comments should be on topic and make the point concisely (i.e., you should not hold the floor for too long). You should avoid comments that fail to add to the conversation (e.g., “me too” comments).

            Listening – you should be attentive to the comments of others in the class and show open-mindedness and respect toward other points of view. Your own comments should not interrupt others who are speaking nor should you carry on side conversations with your neighbours.

            Respect – your demeanor in the classroom should reflect respect for the professor, guests, and your classmates. Computers should be used only for purposes directly relevant to the tasks at hand (e.g., looking up background information or checking facts). Playing games, trading stocks, and other non-class relating computer activities distracts other students and interferes with their learning, as does texting on phones and taking and receiving phone calls (turn off your cell phone!).

            Professionalism – your contribution to the class is about more than what you say; it is about your attitude to the learning process, your willingness to engage with the material, and accepting personal responsibility for the progress of the class. Some of the issues that we will discuss in class may prove to be sensitive to some of your peers. It is imperative that you respect the positions taken by others, even while disagreeing with them. Derogatory comments and off-colour jokes or jibes will not be tolerated in the class.

3/3       You demonstrate careful, concise, critical analysis through clear and brief comments based on the material at hand. Your comments reveal a willingness to explore beyond the initial learning situation. You add to the flow of the discussion by building on others’ comments or by redirecting the discussion into other critical areas, sharing your expertise (knowledge, skill, aptitude), posing questions, constructively criticizing, and summarizing the main learning points. You foster a positive learning environment for the class by engaging in a conversational tone that opens up avenues of exploration and shows respect for the opinions and positions of others while not necessarily agreeing with them.

2/3       You demonstrate a good analysis and some critical reasoning alongside a reasonable understanding of the relevant issues arising from the material. Your comments reveal an understanding of the relationship or connections among the core concepts. You need to be more concise or precise in details and more careful in articulating arguments. You give intelligent and intelligible responses to the core issues and to positions taken by other students.

1/3       You demonstrate an understanding of the basic facts, vocabulary, details, and elemental concepts arising from the material. Your comments reveal some understanding of the subject and show an ability to deal with simple issues arising out of the material. You need to engage the subject matter more fully and formulate ideas more clearly. Students whose comments fit into the higher categories but who show disrespect for other students will receive this grade for participation.

0/3       Failure to attend class without a documented excuse (e.g., doctor’s note, late arrival, early departure, and frequently leaving class for short periods compromises the learning the learning environment for yourself and others and will result in this grade for a given day. Rude or disruptive behaviour in the large or small group work will also garner this grade.