Here is a specific example. SInce we use the Holt Literature Series and are tied to that for a variety of reasons, I taught them how to take the first test or two on individual stories. Since they are reluctant, reticent, 'refusive" (no such word?) writers, we wrote the first essay answer together as a class discussion. The next assessment came and I asked them to write their answer as a 'quickwrite' and then we shared and discussed our answers. For the third 'go-round' we brainstormed as a class details and examples that would be part of a well written answer. Now we discuss the big questions and I let them go it alone. I suppose some are improving, but the results of the first trimester test the district requires were dismal. Remember, these are the Basic, to BB, FBB, ELD and RSP.
---- Bill IVEY <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 5:36 PM -0500 wrote: > >However, as high as my Honors students are in critical thinking and > >writing; as much as I help and aid my Basic Classes, when it comes to the > >Assessments they have a difficult time doing well on their own, > >independently. Am I doing them a disservice by discussing and teaching > >literary skills to the point that they cannot do it very well on their > >own?? > > Hi! > > I find myself wondering what the Assessments are measuring in the first > place. But that said, what behaviors are you seeing that lead you to > believe you are "discussing and teaching literary skills to the point that > they cannot do it very well on their own"? > > Additionally, if I remember correctly, one of the fundamental principles > of "Mosaic of Thought" is the gradual release of responsibility. So maybe > another part of the answer to your question lies in that principle. How > best to do that is perhaps one possible extension of this discussion. > > Take care, > Bill Ivey > Stoneleigh-Burnham School > > > _______________________________________________ > The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org > > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. > > Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
