My classes this week seemed to have a lot in common: we spent a lot of time talking about how to interact with students in a way that encourages productivity, and that got me thinking: tone matters for everybody, in every situation.
For one of my asynchronous classes, we're in charge of posting at least one discussion reply on a common thread. Basically, the idea is that we can "interact" with the idea of our peers (while the sentiment is nice, most of the time people end up posting their own discussion, and replying to one other post which we're mandated to do, and on to the next). The final topic this week basically dealt with grading, and under what circumstances student grades should be rounded up (if at all). Consensus amongst the class was that it's a hard call, but as long as you're consistent, why not bump them up if they're between two so-called grade "categories". That was basically my stance on things. And then some guy, confrontational as I've ever seen, started up with "I totally disagree with...." and "I also disagree with..." launching into a tirade about how this should never happen (ever). Which is fine, have your own opinion buddy. And clearly he does, since he's spewing off on every post everybody else makes.
But it made me realize: tone matters. Especially in digital environments where other cues like body language and vocal pattern aren't available. It's fine to disagree with me - I'd welcome another point of view- but no need to be aggressive about it.
I'm not even sure that was his intent. Could be that he thought he was being diplomatic about it, and after the initial "???" of it, I'm willing to cut him some slack. But regardless, that probably wasn't the best way to express a dissenting opinion.
Obviously, there's not much I (or anybody else) can control when it comes to the opinion of another. But I do think it's important for all of us to be mindful of what we're saying and how we're saying it, especially given the digital nature of this pandemic lifestyle... how's that for food for thought?
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