Red Light, Green Light and Other Ideas for Class Participation-Intensive Courses: Method and Implications for Business Ethics Education

Abstract

Participation in classroom discussion is afrequently used pedagogy in managementeducation. However, there are several problemsinherent in facilitating and evaluating classparticipation. These include students failingto prepare adequately, instructors having noway of knowing how prepared students are forthe discussion, and finally, studentsexperiencing a lack of integration from theclassroom experience. In this article I sharea multi-stage technique that I have developedto deal with these problems. After describingthe basic process, which includes preparatorypre-class essays, small group meetings,multi-colored name cards, and integrativepost-class essays, I offer some additionalinsights and suggestions concerning its use. Drawing on student commentary from a recentbusiness ethics-related course that utilizedthis pedagogy, I conclude by considering whythis method is especially appropriate forbusiness ethics education.