IDEAS

Idea 18: Generating Interpersonal Closeness Activity (Tiered Questions)

Why is it important?

While this assignment may seem like a simple example of active listening, in reality it promotes multicultural perspectives and empathy in the classroom. The questions discussed between students are range from surface level to personal, allowing for students to better get to know each other on a more meaningful level.

Instructions

• Pair students and have them use a 3-tiered set of discussion questions offered by Arthur Aron, available online
• Follow the discussion question by asking students to enter a nonverbal space and mutually gaze at each other for four minutes
• Conclude the exercise with a video excerpt featuring Maina Abromivc’s (2010) interact exhibit on human connectedness. Finally follow with a debriefing session.

Advantages

• Promotes increased levels of disclosure and mutual understanding between peers
• Highlights diversity among students while helping students recognize sameness and solidarity among each other

Adapted from:
Heather Davidson, Dept. of Communication, 2014 Showcase Portfolio