To create an educational and enjoyable course we need everyone's preparation,
presence, attention, input, authenticity, participation, and mutual respect.
Here are what I mean by these elements:
Preparation: reading the assigned materials in time to
contribute to class.
Presence: actually showing up and staying the whole class.
Attention: being awake and following the discussion.
As Milton wrote, "They also serve who only stand and wait." Your
energy contributes to our experience of the class as a whole.
Input: contributing ideas.
Authenticity: contributing what is truly meaningful to
you. And if you have no sense at the moment of what is truly meaningful
to you, then your authentic contribution will be silence.
Contribution: at least some of the time you will have things
to say, and participation includes contributing them.
Mutual respect: providing feedback without criticism —
or at least without abuse.