The Discussion (a.k.a. The Yelling Match) by Jenny C.

It was earsplitting. It was frustrating. Our first discussion in Mr. Armstrong’s class was more like a yelling match than a discussion. At the beginning of class, Mr. Armstrong stated that in order to get a good grade, you must speak during the discussion. Consequently, here’s what happened: during majority of the discussion, many people tried to talk at once. Participating in the discussion was very difficult, because the room was so loud. The people who contributed to the discussion the most were Jenny L., Esther, David, and Grace. Mr. Armstrong brought out two great points during our discussion. He informed us that listening was just as important as talking, and that it was important to get information from reliable sources instead of ourselves.
Listening first and talking second is very important. The habit of listening then talking is one of the seven habits in Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It seems like a little listening would have solved a lot of our problems during class. Class 8A will get better at discussing as the year elapses.