Psychology 360
Writing/Small Group Discussion Guidelines
Hal S. Bertilson, Ph.D.
8-21-06

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:
    Chapter: number and name Student Name ____________________
    Date Due: __________________________ Assignment Number: ________________________
    Discussion/Writing Assignment Course: Cross-Cultural Psychology 360
    If this paper is late and you believe it may qualify as an excused absence, please explain: ________________________________
  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 and interdependence are valued in this class.
  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 these written assignments is to prepare students for informed discussion of the key concepts and their implications. In order to meet this purpose, written assignments must be prepared before class and brought to class and used in the discussion.
  b. Papers turned in late will result in half credit for the written portion of the assignment.
  c. If an absence is excused, a late paper will be given full credit.
  d. Papers with not all questions answered will result in fractional credit.
  e. 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.