Psychology/WST of Women 258
Writing/Small Group Discussion Guidelines
Hal S. Bertilson, Ph.D.
1-18-08

1. Writing/discussion Assignment. In order to make handling papers easy and to ensure that none are lost, all papers are expected to be in the following form:
  a. Heading--Use the following heading on each writing assignment:
    Assignment Number __ Student Name _________
    Discussion/Writing Assignment Date due: ____________
    Chapter number and name __ Psyc/WST 258
    If this paper is late and you believe it may qualify as an excused absence, please explain. You must also discuss the questions with someone. If the assignment were completed outside of class, please indicate who you discussed the questions with: ________________________________
  b. Length--Two full pages or more, typed, double-spaced.
  c. Paper
    1. Must be on 8-1/2 X 11 paper.
    2. No spiral sheets or other rough edges.
2. Cooperation
  a. Small group discussions provide students opportunities to get to know each other. You are encouraged to assist each other in preparation of the assignments and preparation for the tests. For example, some students are more experienced with using the web than others. Let's work together so that everyone is getting the most out of the class. Grades are not determined through a competitive process. A curve is not used to determine grades. We all learn more if we are all learning more. Cooperation is valued.
  b. If you miss a demonstration, speaker, or video, talk to people in the class and see notes on the web. Test questions can include these experiences.
  c. If you find yourself getting behind, contact me and I'll help. You may schedule tests at a later time.
  d. If you are not able to attend class regularly, talk to me about it. I am willing to work something out as a substitute for class activity including small group discussion, but I can only do so if I know about the problem.
3. Discussion Guidelines
  a. Everyone gets a chance to participate.
  b. All opinions are accepted.
  c. No put downs.
  d. What is said stays here.
  e. Everyone owns their own statement by making "I" statements.
  f. Before responding, paraphrase others' comments to ensure that you understand what the other person is saying.
  g. No side conversations
  h. Everyone will work together to honor these guidelines.
4. Purpose and grading of the assignments.
  a. The purpose of the written assignments is to prepare students for informed discussion of the key concepts. In order to meet this purpose, written assignments must be prepared before class and brought to class and used in the discussion.
  b. If the paper is late, it may be brought to the next class period. It need not be emailed to Dr. B. or brought to his office.
  c. Papers turned in late will result in half credit for the written portion of the assignment. If the absence were excused, the student will get full credit.
  d. If an absence were excused, a late paper will be given full credit.
  e. Papers with not all questions answered will result in fractional credit.
  f. Please staple questions to your answers or write out the questions as well as the answers. Having questions available in the small group discussion will facilitate discussion.