· has read the assigned material and comes to class prepared to participate
· refers to classmates by name
· asks clarifying questions
· values time and eliminates repetitious or extraneous discussion
· listens openly, fully  and actively to the contributions of others
· respects differences of opinions
· speaks to everyone in the class or group and not just to the teacher or leader
· follows up on and refers to comments others have made
· understands that consensus is built, rather than won, and thus avoids arguing to prove a point
· respectfully challenges ideas
· shares contradictory information for the sake of discussion
· actively draws others into the discussion
· encourages and supports those who might be reluctant to participate
· tries to ensure that all voices are heard
· refers back to the text to support and clarify points
· asks follow-up questions such as : Why so you think so? Do you agree? Can you elaborate? Tell me more. Can you give an example?
· understands that our understandings of literature evolve through interaction with others, and therefore appreciates the importance of his or her contribution
· advances even tentative opinions and thoughts, understanding that sometimes these open the doors to new understandings.
· avoids personal attacks
· understands that there is never an absolute answer, but a process through which you will see multiple answers- the complexity of possibilities that make up life- the subject of literature.