Month: March 2012

We’re going to continue with our practice book clubs today and then you’ll have time to read your book club novels.

 

Today we’ll start with a quiz on the 5 Basic Elements of Cooperative Learning.

Then we’ll continue our survival simulation game from yesterday.

Next we’ll do a practice literature circle meeting using non-fiction articles. We’ll also talk about the difference between thick and thin discussion questions.

First off, I’m going to offer up this way to stay in touch via text messages: It’s a service called Remind 101. I can send text message reminders to the class (but not one to one) to remind you about due dates and homework. You won’t be able to reply to the texts, but if you do want to reply, send a tweet to @msbarkertweets . I have a second service set up to send me a text message whenever someone tweets that account. If you want to sign up for this service (It’s free but whatever charges you incur for texts will apply) see the instructions below:

Next, we’re going to talk about what makes for an effective collaborative learning experience and we’ll get you practicing your team work skills.

First I want you to think about a negative group work experience you had.  What made it negative? How did it make you feel?

Then I want you to think about a positive group work experience. What made it positive? How did it make you feel?

The Basic Elements of Co-operative Learning

• Positive Interdependence: all members of a group feel connected to each other in the accomplishment of a common goal
• Individual Accountability: Every member is responsible for demonstrating their learning
• Face to Face Interaction: Group members need to be close in proximity to each other and talk to each other in ways that promote progress
• Social Skills: Treating each other in such a way that enables groups to function effectively (taking turns, encouraging, listening, clarifying, etc.)
• Processing: Taking time to assess collaborative efforts.

Anything you want to add?

Now let’s put this into practice:

I’ll be putting your into groups and as a group you will be given a scenario and list of items.

Here’s the scenario: You and your business companions have just survived the crash of a small plane. Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash. It is mid-January and you are in Northern Canada. The daily temperature is 25 below zero. There is snow on the ground, and the country-side is wodded with several creeks criss-crossing the area. The nearest town is 50 km away. Your group of survivors managed to salvage the following items:

• ball of steel wool
• a small axe
• a lodaded .45 caliber pistol
• can of shortening
• newspapers (1 per person)
• lighter (without fluid)
• extra shirt and pants for each survivor
• 20x20ft piece of canvas
• a sectional map made of plastic
• a mickey of whisky
• a compass
• a family sized chocolate bar (one per person)

Your task is to list the 12 items in order of importance to survival. You must come to an agreement as a group.

Today we’re going to work on our Buffy responses. I’ve uploaded a digital version of the assignment which you can access here.

Don’t forget this is due on Monday!

Today we’re going to watch the episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer discussed yesterday and you will receive a handout outlining the expectations for the assignment that follows.

Please remember, if you are submitting your Heil retell it must be submitted by the end of this week. I will not accept them after Friday.

Today you will choose your literature circle novel and take down a note about the TV show Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Tomorrow we will watch the episode and you will explain how the show fits the journey pattern from the fairytales we looked at. You will also apply your understanding of Freud’s theory of the id ego and superego, catharsis, Stephen King’s theory, and the Scared Witless article’s explanation of what happens in our minds and bodies when we are frightened.

Today we’re going to start off with silent reading.

Then I will hand back your We retells and talk about the retells for Heil.

Then we’ll briefly review the fairytale as horror story. You practiced this in class before the break with either Little Red Riding Hood or Cinderella. Now you’re going to do this for the fairytale, “The Robber Bridegroom.”

I have your rubrics for your personal essays ready to hand back. Please hang on to them as you’ll need them for your portfolios.

Today you are going to use the scoring scales I handed out to do a peer edit of the retell for “We”. After that, you will have time for revisions. Your good copy will be due Friday (or tomorrow for Lambton college folks).

Next,  I will give you time to finish up your charts and questions for Heil. These will be due tomorrow.

Hi everyone!

I’m away at PD again today. You are going to get a copy of the short story Heil. If you are absent, you can download a copy here: Heil.

The questions are here. Remember you don’t have to do the retell part yet. You do have to write down the chart and discussion questions.

Your rough draft of your We retell is due Wednesday.

Hi guys,

We’ll start with a quiz today and then we’ll take up the questions for the short story We.

Next you’ll begin working on the retell for the short story, We. The rough draft will be due on Wednesday.