Kwestions, Komments, Komplaints, Kriticisms
I used these four words at intervals in my classes. I was always seeking public contributions from students. It wasn’t that unusual for a student to speak privately after class with a question or comment or complaint. Almost always, as soon as I heard what they had to say, I knew it would be valuable for the whole class to hear my answer. But the next class was a much inferior time. It would have been better on the spot.
I often tried to get students to realize that when they had a question or comment, there were often others with the same thing on their mind. It would have been a help to the group to have the issue stated so all could hear it, think about it, hear my response and add what they wanted to the discussion. Older students, say 30 years old or older, are often twice as good at speaking in class, contributing relevant and valuable comments and questions.
A similar idea applies to software. If you are using Microsoft or Google software and programs, you will have the same reaction and goals as other users. It follows that what you want to do may well have already been built into the program or application. Looking for ways to reach your goal, including Googling the product name and goal, such as ‘exporting Outlook calendar’, will often lead immediately to an explanation some has written and published on accomplishing that goal with that product.
Asking your question gives you an opportunity to word it the way it appeals to you and focuses on the aspects of the problem you are interested in. Making a comment opens subsequent discussion to areas you are interested in, making the class more relevant to your own interests and needs. Making a compliment is likely to cause the creation of more material and discussion of what you like. Making a comment and compliment of what other participants say is rarely done but valuable. I often hear group members say they didn’t speak out because someone else had already said the same idea. Sometimes, it can be helpful and bonding to the group to say that you like Susan’s idea and want to second it.
