 Plant Ecology
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Students are requested to participate in one of many debate group discussions, which focus on issues of broad interest to the general public and related to plant ecology. These discussions will take place during class for about a 20-minute period at the end of class. Please see the debate schedule for a list of group discussion topics. Each discussion debate will consist of pro and another groups (2 students each) on a particular topic.
To prepare for these discussions, groups will want to review recent literature (scientific articles, magazine articles, newspaper articles, etc.). Your assignment will be to lead a lively and informative debate style discussion on this topic between the pro-con groups for a total of 16 minutes. Powerpoint presentations are encouraged. There is a specific presentation format: each group is given exactly 4 minutes to present their case. After the inital round, then students will be given up to 4 additional minutes to respond and further develop their position. We will then open the discussion to questions from the class audience, with each pro-con group responding to the question (as appropriate).
In advance of the class presentation, each group must prepare a home page listing where members of the class can find pertinent information on the topic being discussed [Jim and the TAs can help as needed.] We ask that both groups meet with Jim in advance of the debate (ususally after class for 5 minutes) in order to go over approaches and to let each group know of the others interests so that the discussion is relevant and focused.
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