Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

137 ACTIVITY 18: PEER DISCUSSION: LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM OBJECTIVE: STUDENTS SHARE LEARNING ISSUES THAT HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE PAST WEEK AND LEARN FROM PEERS’ EXPERIENCES. TASK: REFLECT AND BUILD ON THE WEEK’S LEARNING EXPERIENCES. One of the most collaborative ways to learn about college expectations, strategies for success, and living independently is from your peers and classmates. The experiences you share can inform others about things that have worked and things that have not worked for you. This is also an opportunity to discuss strategies and approaches to problems, concerns, and situations that confront all students and to learn from each other. Suggested topics include: 1. group work in classes 2. interactions with classmates 3. interactions with professors 4. university classroom culture 5. observations or interactions on campus or in the city 6. questions about cultural norms 7. language challenges 8. other If you feel comfortable doing so, you can help your classmates by sharing your experiences both in and outside of classes from this week. PART 1: BRAINSTORM Either write or just think about your week; include one example of each of the following (remember, this can be for in or out of the classroom), and it will not be collected: 1. something good that has happened this week 2. something challenging that has happened this week 3. something unexpected that has happened this week PART 2: DISCUSS In your small group, share 1 or more of your week’s experiences, then: 1. Describe how you acted or reacted to the situation. 2. If applicable, could there have been another action or reaction that you could have taken? Ask your group for suggestions or advice.