Small group Discussions

I was looking forward to the small group discussion and was interested to see how they worked.  I think Beowulf was a great story and was worth discussing for our small group discussions. There are however, many other topics in class that I would be very excited to see integrated into small group discussions. I think the idea of small group discussions is a great idea. I think discussions like these at multiple times during a semester would be beneficial for the preparation of college reading and writing skills.

Graded exercises like these small group discussions are good for students whether they like it or not. It forces them to learn the material and come to class prepared rather then just let fellow classmates lead the way. A wise teacher once asked my class the question "Are you going to school for a degree or an education"? Most students want both things but others skate through their college years striving for nothing more than that piece of paper saying you know something about something significant. Students may get that degree by going through school and being "average" or skating by but they do not develop the skills and knowledge that there degrees represent to a certain degree. Many students can take quizzes, come to class, an BS there way through school but they are missing the very purpose of school. C's earn degrees but they don't earn careers as my Juvenile justice teacher tells us every day.

I prepared for the small group discussions by reading through Beowulf a couple times and taking notes as I went. I had no idea what to expect from the small group discussion but I knew I had to be prepared. I prepared for last Fridays class. I always like to be ready for my classes but sometimes things come up with outside of life  and from other classes. This excercise teaches students to bring out there potential and strive to do their best. I learned that it doesn't take much time or effort to succeed in life or class. The motivation and drive is what is needed to will yourself to do what needs to be done. I noticted that throughout my college career the fear of the unknown has clouded my will to succeed. questions like what if I fail or what if this happens constantley go through your mind and keep you from preparing for a task and being your best. Controlling your thoughts and handling your failures in college is just as important as being prepared and knowing your material. I have learned to use that "bad grade" or 'bad situation" as fuel to push me to do better. I don't let things get me down and I use them to get better, improve,and help others whith what i've learned. The small group discussions was very fun and I learned a great deal of new veiws and skills and it renfoced what I have been told about school for years.

The three most important things I learned from the small group discussion and that have been reinforced was that:

1. If you prepare and study for something you will succeed and the discussion will be enjoyable.

2. Coming prepared just doesnt help yourself it helps the students around by introducing them with new imformation and veiew points on readings.

3.  Talking in groups isnts as painful and scary as i once thought and its educational, fun, and enjoyable. It helps open up the minds of the class and discover multiple interprtations of a text which is very interesting.

The small group discussions was an enjoyable excercise that shows that a little bit of confidence and perperation can go a long way in a class or even the real world for that matter.