Small group discussion

I suppose I prepared for this group discussion very differently then for normal class discussions. I knew Beowulf inside, and out or so I thought. At first I just analyzed the questions that were to be discussed in class, and try to answer them to the best of my abilities without having to open my book. I then identified rather easily where my weaknesses were, and how best to address them. I went through the questions where I had the most difficulties, and I addressed them directly. I went throughout Beowulf, found the areas I lacked knowledge, or informed opinions, and I studied them vigorously. It was my goal to be able to give an almost perfect response to any question on our assignment sheet, without having to open my book even once, which I believe I was very successful at doing.

Note taking was key, I had over 4 pages front and back of notes, just for that one class period, and they were vital to my over all participation. I believe that the notes provided a base of discussion ideas for me, so when I was proposed with a question, I could answer it with ease, based on my own prior research on the particular subject. Having legible, coherent thoughts on paper allows me to freely express my own opinions, and ideas, with a factual reference at my side, whenever needed.

The three most dominant things I did differently to prepare for our group discussion was annotations throughout Beowulf, research on specific characters in Beowulf, and comprehensive research to find scholarly opinions on the subject matter of our book. I didn't feel my word was simply enough, so I read through hundreds of pages of other students pinions on Beowulf online, to help mold, and shape my own opinions into something all could understand, and appreciate. This discussion was far more useful than to my learning than my regular classes, because this style of discussion forces the students to become Experts on whatever subject is at hand. I loved this assignment.