Gave it a go

Today I implemented the literacy strategy of finding common denominators in different sources. While planning this lesson, the most difficult part was, as Ben mentioned, finding good sources to use. I had an idea to have students read about various perspectives during the Crusades, but I couldn't find good enough sources to use for them to have a meaningful task associated with the readings.

Instead, I found a primary and a secondary source discussing the Black Plague. I tried this in all of my classes (since they're all the same) and the students seemed to do really well with it so far. In their groups, they were to read either the secondary or primary source (I chose which students would read which source in order to differentiate). They had a piece of paper with two columns labeled "Primary" and "Secondary" that they took notes on as they read. They were to write down important information and key points from their reading. Tomorrow, students will discuss their reading with the others at their table so that they can compare both sources.

I think I would use this strategy again if I could find good sources and activities to make sure students are getting something out of it. It lends itself well to differentiation, which is something I feel that lots of teachers struggle with. Overall, I am satisfied with this first implementation of this strategy.

Developing ideas...

Michaela and I are trying to develop a task/activity to use this strategy. Michaela had the idea of which materials to use (Middle Ages topics) and we're looking at two viewpoints that provide opposite ideas of the same thing. For Middle Ages, we could go with views of the church, the crusades or other scenarios that would prompt very different opinions from each side involved.

The hardest part is finding the actual material, especially the primary documents. Once you get past that, the tricky part is implementing it in a meaningful way which means doing something beyond handing it to students and asking them to read. Even just having a discussion didn't feel structured enough so I think there needs to be an organized way for the students to learn and process the information. I'm just not sure what this will be yet...

Initial try

Tried DC for the first time today - a learning experience for everyone including me.  The subject matter was the death penalty and the execution of Troy Davis.  I found two sources which were opposing sides of the debate and created a venn diagram to help them organize their thoughts and see what similarities two such groups may have despite the huge divide that seems to separate them.

I will do this again...and I am more confident in my ability to create more structure and direction for the overall activity.

For the common/uncommon denominator strategy I learned how much research is involved. I've never used it before, but group members explained it to me and I think the most important part about it is choosing quality resources for the students to use. The materials should be engaging with enough main points to compare and contrast.

First Timer

Here is my first official post. :) Much more to follow I am sure.