GUIDELINES FOR CIVIL DISCOURSE IN THE CLASSROOM
CRIMINAL JUSTICE 161
 SPRING 2003
Generated: 1/23/03

TO: Students in CJ 161
FROM: R. B. Taylor
DATE: 
RE: Guidelines for civil discourse

TO: Students in CJ 161-Section 3

FROM: R. B. Taylor

DATE: 1/3/0/03

RE: Classroom norms

Your specific suggestions appear below. In follow up discussion it appears these boil down to the following points:

*listen respectfully: no interrupting, no acting dismissive

* speak respectfully, no personal attacks; no cursing; no shouting or yelling although one may defend one’s view passionately and energetically

* try to back up arguments with facts not just opinions, although stating one’s opinion is ok.

The professor’s norms

* try real hard to arrive on time

* turn off all cells, pagers, pdas

* no food; drinks in classroom are ok; no food or drinks in the lab – we don’t wanna get thrown out

 Group 1:

How do we listen to one another?

• “no put downs”
• don’t talk while another classmates are speaking
• listen open minded without jumping to conclusions
• don’t disagree with someone while they are speaking

How do we speak to one another?

• respectfully in a friendly manner
• informally
• call them their names
• be yourself

Classroom behavior: no offensive language

Group 2:

No interruptions. No cells, no pages, etc. Raising your hand to speak. Overall be respectful. Don’t judge others or their opinions.

Group 3:

Norms:

A. Listening without losing defensive  (clearly)

B. Speak without being offensive

C. Speak with facts to back up comments

D. No interruptions, one speak at a time

E. Make yourself visible that you want to speak by raising your hand

F. Direct questions and comments to class as well as professors

Group 4:

How do we listen to one another?

• Valuing each other’s opinions
• Respecting others- no negative facial gesture/ side comments/talking while others are speaking
• Keeping quiet

How do we speak to one another?

• Being direct
• No put downs
• Keep moderate voice tone
• No inappropriate language (cursing)/eye contact

Classroom behavior: No yelling

Group 5:

How do we listen to one another?

• Be respectful, quiet, and attentive when others are speaking

How do we speak to one another?

• Use respectful language and tone of voice when speaking

Classroom behavior we dislike:

• use of cell phones
• loud eating habits
• entering lass late or leaving early

 Group 6:

 1) We listen without speaking

--- don’t speak while the other person is

--- don’t criticize what the person is saying

--- no putdowns

 2) With courtesy

--- don’t belittle the other person

--- don’t yell

 3) --- one person talks at a time

    --- talk only when called on

    --- don’t yell

 Group 7:

• listening  & speaking
• wait until each person is done talking
• raise your hand- don’t yell out answers
• eye contact
• don’t raise your voice – speak in a pleasant tone
• no side conversations- full attention
• don’t take any comments personally
• be able to support your argument
• don’t attack people or point people our specifically
• don’t get up while people are talking