I find it difficult to write this blog at this point, just because we haven’t discussed moderation fully yet. However, I think I have a pretty good idea of how I will handle my moderating.
My main goal will be to initiate a though-provoking conversation that is enlightening for everyone. Ideally, both sides of the discussion will learn something and see things a little differently after the deliberation. How will I go about doing this? I hope to be fairly informed on the issue before beginning in order to ask provocative and engaging questions. I will keep the deliberation moving forward in an organized fashion, not letting the discussion get too far off topic. I will point out flaws in arguments in hopes of pushing the group toward a conclusion or agreement. Also, I will keep the discussion balanced, with both sides contributing equally and no one person dominating the conversation. I will try to stay out of the conversation as much as possible, but interrupt and redirect it if necessary. However, I will not include my personal opinion, views or thoughts on the issue.
Another issue I might face is not enough discussion, which sometimes is a problem in our class. If this happens, my job as the monitor will be to call on people directly or ask questions in a way that people can more easily respond to.
In theory, the monitor should have the easiest job. The monitor simply asks a question and the group should take it from there. I realize this is not the case and the monitor’s responsibility for the outcome of the deliberation. Overall though, I am very unsure what this will entail simply because I have never participated in any formal deliberation or debate before. Hopefully I will learn something along the way and moderate a great debate.