Guidelines for the Reading Group

The objectives of the reading group are: (1) To discuss the arguments, main findings, methodology, insights, etc. of assigned readings, (2) To help each other clarify key concepts, methods, etc., (3) To evaluate the readings' arguments, main findings, methodology, etc. as a means of: (a) critically understanding content, and (b) increasing awareness regarding different research methodologies and different approaches to research writing, and (4) To explore how assigned readings may be relevant to one's particular context.

You can structure your reading group discussions around the following steps. These are not comprehensive:

1. Summarize the reading by identifying and elaborating on: (a) the authors' main arguments; (b) the empirical support the authors use to support their arguments; and (c) the theoretical approach and/or conceptual assumptions which the authors use to frame their arguments and interpret their data.
2. Clarify key concepts, methods, etc. Raise questions regarding terms, statements, etc. that may be unclear to you.
3. Evaluate the reading by, among others, examining:
(a) the authors' arguments and how persuasive they are.
(b) the data and the extent to which these support the argument. Are there alternative interpretations or explanations for the data?
(c) the research methodology used. Is it adequate? Appropriate?
(d) the theoretical approach, framework, conceptual assumptions which the authors use. Are there alternative frameworks, theoretical approaches, etc?
4. Explore how the assigned readings may be relevant to your particular context and/or your area of interest.

The discussion leader should facilitate the exchanges in the group. S/he should prepare specific discussion points, given the steps above. The reporter (with the group's help) should select three points that were central to the group discussion; s/he should also list unresolved questions (if any) regarding key ceoncepts. The reporter writes a blog summarizing and elaborating on the three points and enumerating the unresolved questions. The blog should be posted the day after the reading group discussion, at the latest. It need not be in essay/paragraph form.