What is disco? Is it dead?

[rkrboi]

Please elaborate on this subject for me.

[sjscott12]

Disco was one of the first types of music to place heavy attention to the aspect of dance. It was around the 70's when it began, hit it's peek and then died before the 80's. There is a disco revival, but in less you see people on rollerblades and wearing medallions, it's pretty much dead.

[rkrboi]

I meant discussion...

[sjscott12]

I thought that was a strange question.

don't really have the answer to that one.

[MackAttack]

Discussion, otherwise known as "Disco," is a category that, as far as I know, is exclusive to Minnesota. What happens in a round is all the competitors in the round sit around a table and come to a conclusion as to how to solve a problem or resolve an issue that pertains to the season's topic. This past season, the topic was the Media. A sample task might be: "As a panel, discuss the effects of reality TV on today's youth and find ways to minimize these problems." The contestants may have evidence and/or cite sources. (I was never in Discussion, so this question probably isn't the best example.) The person who contributes the most valuble information and ideas to the discussion, based on the judge's perception, will get the 1. Sometimes people won't contribute anything and get a 5.

If anyone else has anything to add, go ahead.

[MackAttack]

Here are the official Discussion rules from the Minnesota State high School league (MSHSL):

2. DISCUSSION
Problem-solving Discussion is an effort on the part of a small group to reach a solution to a problem through informal interchange of facts, inferences, and judgments. This method of discussion seeks consensus rather than majority rule. The focus of this event should be the encouragement of cooperation and critical thinking to arrive at the collective goal of better understanding and problem solving.

The topic(s) for Discussion shall be approved each year by the Board of Directors.

The Discussion group shall be composed of not more than eight contestants. Additional sections may be scheduled if the number of contestants exceeds eight. The Discussion activity shall be conducted according to the following procedure:

* A study outline and bibliography of the main topic(s) and related sub-topics will be posted on the MSHSL website.

* The discussion will be task-oriented where participants act as members of a group whose goal is most frequently an agreed-upon statement of policy, rules, lists, etc., which may also include rationale.

* Tasks for MSHSL-sponsored contests will be furnished by the League (as are cuttings and questions for the various draw categories) and will not mandate any specific agenda. (Invitational festival managers should create tasks for their festivals.) Specific tasks will be drawn in an extemporaneous fashion prior to each round of discussion.

* The discussants should control their own process of inquiry. Emerging leadership from within the group should develop. Management of time for that round should remain the responsibility of the discussants themselves. Judges are not to participate. At no time should a Judge become a part of the discussion. Judges should not suggest an agenda, give an opinion, or give oral critiques.

The basis for judging Discussion should place emphasis on the task and social dimensions of group interaction. These questions may serve as a guide:

1. Did the discussant's contributions add to the group effort?
2. Did the discussant possess sufficient information, and was the information of high quality?
3. Did the discussant's contributions reflect an understanding of major issues?
4. Did the discussant's behavior reflect a respect for the dignity and worth of other participants?
5. Did the discussant exhibit active listening skills?

Judges must be given and must use the criteria listed on the "Individual Critique Sheet for Discussion."

Judge(s) may write a group critique sheet to be duplicated by the Contest Manager for each member of the Discussion group.

THE DISCUSSION PERIOD SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HOUR (60 MINUTES).

[KrispyKreme]

Wow... I love this thread!

[LovelyLilKate]

I told you it was hilarious, Drew.

Disco was one of the first types of music to place heavy attention to the aspect of dance. It was around the 70's when it began, hit it's peek and then died before the 80's. There is a disco revival, but in less you see people on rollerblades and wearing medallions, it's pretty much dead.

SJScott, you are my hero. Mainly because I thought that was the question as well. =) Haha.