In English 9 we read this article from Forbes magazine. The article allowed students to start recording their ideas and reactions to text by using the double-entry journal format (a format we will use everyday in class this term). The resulting discussion went very well. Students discussed ownership of words, and how each generation has slang terms that help define that generation: "groovy" in the 60s, "rad" in the 80s, and the possibility that of some of these entries to Oxford Dictionary Online will come to define the current teenage generation. They also discussed basic etymology and how words can evolve and also move in and out of our culture's common vocabulary.
In English 10 the students worked together to create a list of guidelines to follow when working in collaborative groups. After some discussion, the students condensed their ideas into six key points that fall within two stages of group work.
- The Planning Stage
- Greet each other. Show interest in each of your group members and their ideas. Make sure each person has his/her voice heard.
- Read over the instructions and ask clarifying questions to ensure everyone understands what needs to be accomplished.
- Assign jobs/responsibilities to each member of the group.
2. The Creation Stage
- Manage your time - set realistic goals for completing each stage of the project.
- Participate by working on your portion of the project but also helping others out as needed.
- Be open to modifying your project as you proceed. Do not reinvent the project, but be willing to adjust based on the knowledge you gain from working on the assignment.
Homework for both classes is to finish writing their All About Me letter. All letters should be double spaced and follow MLA format. Handwritten letters must be 2 pages in length and typed letters should be one page long. The assignment handout and optional guiding statements are available within the assignments category of each class, or just click here for English 9 or here for English 10. Students in English 10 also have the option to compete in our class contest to create a poster of the Guidelines to Collaborative Learning. Entries are due next Wednesday and the winner will receive a $15 itu