ABSTRACT
An upside-down black umbrella, littered with playing cards, sat encircled by empty chairs in the middle of Amelia Christie’s high school government classroom. She sat at her desk looking at the scene, wondering if the discussion had worked and, if it had, to what degree. She had hoped that providing each student with three cards to toss into the umbrella when they spoke would encourage the “talkers” to limit themselves and the others to participate. As she reflected on her plans, she thought it seemed to work but it seemed a bit contrived. Some of those that were starting to get excited about the topic ran out of cards and ended up mumbling to those sitting next to them. Other students weren’t enthusiastic but made minimal comments so they could toss one of their cards into the umbrella. It wasn’t a bad idea, she thought, but how could the idea be improved?
