In preparation for leading a discussion, students are encouraged to consult with the instructors. At least one day prior to the discussion, the leader should send to the class a list of one to several questions (see suggestions below) to be discussed. Use plp692@iastate.edu to e-mail the whole class. In class, the leader should briefly (5-10 minutes) summarize the paper. This summary may include some background material, but should focus on the main results (figures and tables, and the conclusions.
The leader should then lead a discussion of the paper by asking questions, and moderating where necessary. Everyone is expected to contribute to the discussion.
Example questions:
A. Paper critique
1. Does the research address an important question?
2. Is the experimental approach sound?
3. Are the results presented clearly? Are figures and tables useful?
4. Do the results justify the conclusions?
5. Are the results significant? Why?
6. Overall, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the paper?
7. Would you recommend it for publication?
8. Would you suggest any changes?
B. Research planning
1. What important questions does the paper raise?
2. What new hypotheses does the research suggest?
3. What new avenues of discovery does the paper make possible?
4. What would you do next to continue the line of research presented in the paper?
C. Relevance to your research (where applicable)
1. Are the findings, questions, or hypotheses associated with the paper relevant to your project? The overall goals of your lab? How?
2. Are any of the methods applicable to your project?
3. Are there any resources reported in the paper that would be useful? How?