Discussion Question Workshop

Types of Discussion Questions

1. Divergent - Open, having many responses; permits the exploration of diverse perspectives
   • Example: “Instead of focusing on writing or the text itself, why, on page 5, does Gunn focus on the reader’s response as a means of differentiating between fantasy and SF?”
2. Evaluative - Asks respondents to choose or justify a position; compare and contrast two events
   • Example: “Does Gunn’s continual return to fantasy strike you as relevant to a definition of SF? If so, why? If not, why not?”
3. Brainstorm - Generate a list of ideas or viewpoints
   • Example: “What are some texts you’ve read that do not fit Gunn’s definition? And why?”

Questions to ask of Peer Questions

1. Based on the types listed above, what type of question have they asked? Why?
2. Is the question open-ended or closed? How could it be made more open-ended?
3. Does the question contain enough background or preamble information?
4. Is the question supported by a selection from the text? Should it have been?
   • Is there enough quoted material?
   • Is there too much?