Friday, November 9, 2018

MRBB Character Maps Upload

Please upload your map to the correct class folder below using your PERSONAL Drive and Gmail account. THIS PORTAL WILL NOT ACCEPT WORK FROM YOUR DISD DRIVE OR DISD ACCOUNT. 

Be certain you have labeled your map like this: Last Name_First Name_MRBB_Maps


2ND


4TH


5TH


6TH


7TH


8TH

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Coming Due Dates for Assignments, Projects, and Papers

Socratic Seminar Paper

Due 11/08 (B) and 11/09 (A) I know it's a lot to take in so focus on your seminar notes and FOLLOW the "Socratic Seminar Scoring Guide".

Submit MLA Format typed Seminar Evaluation online in Power School AND Submit Paper Copy in Class. 
Order of Paper Documents:
1. Paper
2. Notes
3. Self Assessment
4. Coaching Guide and notes
5. Scoring guide handout
6. Staple together and I'll collect. 

Ma Rainey's Character Maps

Due Monday 11/12 by end of day. I will post a link to the drive folder where you will submit these on Friday. 


Timed Writing

Timed writing will be 11/09 (B) and 11/12 (A). It is a Question 3 prompt and I will post a mini Q3 writing guide. For this assignment you will be permitted to use your discussion notes, so print a pdf of the notes you turn in with your paper.


Essay Deconstructions

Deconstructions will be Due 11/28. Submit on Paper and in class box.

I'll Post and handout a reading calendar for As I Lay Dying before the week's end. You have enough on your plate. 


Monday, November 5, 2018

Socratic Seminar Evaluation Paper 11/8 (B) 11/09 (A)

Socratic Seminar Evaluation Paper

This paper is your formal evaluation of the Socratic Seminar. 

Format            1-2 pages, typed, double-spaced.  1” margins, 12 point font, MLA formatting
Submission     Paper copy AND PS (yes we are going to give this another shot) submission
Due                 The day after Socratic Seminar by 9 am (11/08 B)  (11/09 A)
Listening Evaluation Objectives
Evaluate.  Verb.  To determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study.
  1. Evaluate multiple speakers’ points of view, reasoning, and use of evidence.
  2. Demonstrate your acuity as a listener who can succinctly summarize a discussion and evaluate the various ideas presented.
Listening Evaluation Structure
  1. Short, concise summary of the main questions and topics discussed in the seminar you observed (the one for which you took notes).  This demonstrates your ability to discern main ideas and summarize the discussion succinctly.  Length: One paragraph total.

2.       Evaluation of the seminar’s content—specific ideas, questions, and/or textual passages presented in the seminar.  Discuss the relevance, logic, depth, clarity, breadth, scope, interpretation of evidence, and reasoning presented in the seminar you observed.  Give specific examples.  Include who said the idea.  Specifically explain why you are persuaded by an interpretation, why you might challenge it, and/or why you believe the ambiguity of an idea is more important than drawing a conclusion.  Identify misinterpretations or misreading of arguments presented in seminar and correct them by going back to the text and offering a more logical, persuasive interpretation.  This should be the bulk of your writing as it demonstrates your ability to evaluate ideas presented orally.  Length: At least two paragraphs.    
Please use academic transitions to make your composition more fluid. 
The language of evaluation includes (This is only a sample.  There are many more!):

I agree with X’s idea/interpretation/notion that ______ because…
I disagree with X’s idea/interpretation/notion that ______ because…
This was a misreading of [author’s] argument because…
While I concede that….I still disagree that…because…
I think X’s idea is mistaken because it overlooks [author’s] assertion that…
Even though on first read it may seem that…a closer reading of the passage suggests that…
X’s claim that _____ rests upon the questionable assumption that…because…
I disagree with X’s view that ______ because, as [author] argues…
By focusing on __________, X overlooks the deeper problem of …
According to both X and Y, ____________.  Although I agree with these ideas up to a point, I cannot accept their overall conclusion because…

3.      Evaluation of the seminar’s processhow discussants participated and developed ideas.  What are strengths of the seminar you observed?  Growth areas?  To what extent did the discussants share ideas equitably?  Root ideas in the text?  Use sound reasoning?  Synthesize and connect ideas by using transitions?  When did discussants transition too early or not develop ideas to their fullest?  What places lacked coherence?  When and why did the discussion turn prematurely?  What specific suggestions do you have for seminar participants so that next time they are even more effective speakers?  Length: One paragraph total. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Socratic Fishbowl Discussion

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Socratic Fishbowl Discussion

As we prepare for a Socratic Fishbowl Seminar, it's important that you review these two files FIRST!!!




If you utilize your allotted class time wisely to prepare and arrive completely prepared on the day/s of the seminar, then there is no reason you shouldn't excel.

I will present the scoring to you later this week.

Ma Rainey's Character Maps - Due 11/12

Ma Rainey's Character Maps Revised Due Date 11/12

As I have explained to each class - This is a rather detailed assignment. 

1. Download the template from the following link using your personal GMAIL: Ma Rainey's CM

2. Draft your responses BEFORE you type into the template.

3. On Nov. 08 I will post links to the various class folders for upload. Be Certain your map file is shared back into the folder in word format and that it is titled: Last name_First name_Character Maps 

4. This is a Project Grade - one of two you will receive for the 3rd 6 weeks.



As I Lay Dying purchase by 11/07 - No Exceptions.

AS I LAY DYING by William Faulkner

1. Purchase from Amazon to have in class by 11/07 (this was listed on the syllabus).

2. I do not have extra copies and a kindle version will not work.

3. Please Purchase THIS copy: 


Thursday, October 18, 2018

Power Learning Discussion Post

How to post

Go to Power Learning or your class page from a computer (not the ap) or browser and THEN:








And type your responses, or paste them from word.