Social Studies instructor Robert Andresen continues his intriguing class discussions into the weekend using the Discussions feature of Schoology. Friday is current event day in his eighth grade class. Students choose articles from Newsela.com, a "smart" site that not only aggregates relevant, school-appropriate articles into a feed, but allows the teacher (or the student) to adjust the reading level of the article! Students write a summary and reflection, then present a "naked" presentation, and is followed by a class discussion where students can ask questions and contribute their thought.
The cutting-edge addition Mr. Andresen has added comes later on as a homework assignment. Student articles are posted within Schoology under a weekly discussion page.
Students are to read one another's summary and reflection pieces and respond thoughtfully in the form of a threaded discussion. The teacher provides the students with methods to provide classmate feedback by giving them a handout ("Accountable Language Stems" - seen below) with acceptable, thought-provoking responses that include substantiated evidence for their agreement, disagreement, or question.
The cutting-edge addition Mr. Andresen has added comes later on as a homework assignment. Student articles are posted within Schoology under a weekly discussion page.
Students are to read one another's summary and reflection pieces and respond thoughtfully in the form of a threaded discussion. The teacher provides the students with methods to provide classmate feedback by giving them a handout ("Accountable Language Stems" - seen below) with acceptable, thought-provoking responses that include substantiated evidence for their agreement, disagreement, or question.
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