Red light, green light and other ideas for class participation-intensive courses: Method and implications for business ethics education

Participation in classroom discussion is a frequently used pedagogy in management education. However, there are several problems inherent in facilitating and evaluating class participation. These include students failing to prepare adequately, instructors having no way of knowing how prepared students are for the discussion, and finally, students experiencing a lack of integration from the classroom experience. In this article I share a multi-stage technique that I have developed to deal with these problems. After describing the basic process, which includes preparatory pre-class essays, small group meetings, multi-colored name cards, and integrative post-class essays, I offer some additional insights and suggestions concerning its use. Drawing on student commentary from a recent business ethics-related course that utilized this pedagogy, I conclude by considering why this method is especially appropriate for business ethics education. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]