ELI-70 Spring 2005
Project -- Discussion Analysis (Pair Work)
Purpose: The Discussion Analysis Project is intended to help you improve your
discussion skills by understanding the important factors of a discussion
and learning useful vocabulary and expressions for discussions.
Procedure:
1. Record a small-group discussion, either academic or non-academic,
either from class discussions or from out-of-class discussions. The
discussion can also be a rehearsal. One of you must be participating in
the discussion, and preferably you are the group facilitator. Listen to the
discussion for several times and evaluate it as a whole, in terms of topic,
effectiveness, and different roles in the discussion (facilitator, participants
<REQUIRED>, secretary, time-keeper <IF ANY>). Refer to the “Roles in a
Group Discussion” handout for roles descriptions.
2. Transcribe 2 – 3 minutes of the discussion (any part of the discussion
that you like). The length of the transcription should be as long as the
sample dialogue. Then analyze the dialogue by labeling the expressions
with language functions they serve and come up with alternative
expressions for each. Refer to the sample dialogue as the model and
format. The alternative expressions can be collected from other
discussions you have or from some other sources. As you collect those
alternative expressions, try to use them in your discussions with others.
3. Submit the recording, the evaluation (a printed copy) and the analyzed
transcription (a printed copy) on Feb. 24 (Thursday).
Device Required: Tape-recorder or digital audio-recording device
Note: The discussion analysis project is 15% of the overall grade.
Language Functions in a Discussion (It is not a complete list.):
1. Introducing a topic
2. Giving an opinion
3. Asking for an opinion
4. Responding
5. Agreeing
6. Disagreeing
7. Asking for clarification
8. Summarizing
9. Moving on to a new topic
10. Checking for understanding
11. Interrupting
12. Getting attention