Discussion B: Identifying Positions, Interests, Feelings, and Needs

Review all materials from the Positions, Interests, Feelings, and Needs module.

Then, answer the following questions with 1-2 complete sentences each:

1. 1. Describe in 1-2 sentences a position you have encountered in your course so far, for example on a topic related to intercultural communication, academic writing, or community building in role-playing games.
      • Note: You do not have to agree with this position, but please communicate respectfully and fairly about it.
      • Important: Please do not include conflicts that involve another person in the course. Focus on positions within the course materials.
   2. Describe the interests that may underpin the person’s position, whether stated explicitly or implicitly. Try to focus on what the person has communicated rather than wildly speculating.
   3. Describe without judgment any feelings that may be associated with the position, whether described explicitly or implicitly. 
   4. Describe without judgment any needs that might feel threatened for the person expressing the position. 
   5. Did this exercise help you better understand how positions might be influenced by underlying interests, feelings, and needs? If so, how? If not, why not?

Finally, respond to at least two (2) of your peers in Ask a Question, Answer a Question format.

Ask a Question, Answer a Question format:

*Reply to your peers with at least five (5) substantive sentences. Sentences like “Hello” and “Good post” do not count toward this length requirement. 

*One of these sentences should ask a question of each peer based upon the content of their post. This question should be directly related to the substance of their post.

*Check the discussion forum throughout the week. Reply to any questions asked as responses to your own posts to keep the discussion going.