I enjoyed learning about the Socratic circle. It was a new way to get discussion going and to delve deeper into the text. I liked that there were the two groups because as the inside group discussed the outside group was able to listen to what was said and then prepare their own questions and notes. I believe that this enabled us to delve even deeper into the different topics of the text.
The Socratic circle got people to talk. When everyone participates then you’re more likely to have a more interesting conversation because all those different viewpoints are out there. That’s what I enjoyed the most, hearing different people talk about what interested them the most. It helped lead to quite an interesting conversation and let me see what other people focused on as they read. It was a surprising result of the Socratic circle as we learned about different people’s reading techniques. It helped me find out that I needed to read more closely as I read even a short text like that.
I was kind of nervous when I saw that for Wednesday we would be looking at different aspects of the verb. Verbs always seem so self-explanatory but when you have to begin to classify what kind of verb is in the sentence and the sentence pattern used it can get scary.
The three main subcategories of Main Verb are intransitive, transitive, and linking verbs. I learned that intransitive verbs can be modified or stand alone, transitive verbs have to have a direct object, and linking verbs link a subject to a description. I think I need a little more work but I have a good foundation.
What really helped me to learn the different verbs was the way we practiced using them in sentences, the magnets and the boards. I have always found grammar to be a little mind-boggling so when I got to study the verbs using Shakespearean magnets it made the learning process much more interesting. It was also helpful that I had a partner because I was able to discuss my doubts and explain what I knew which made it more concrete to me.
Question: What are some techniques we could use to help younger students, like middle school students, engage in meaningful conversation?
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Hey Katie,
ReplyDeleteI think there are two ways to get younger students to engage in meaningful conversation with a linking involvement. First off, the material has to be interesting and relatable to the students. Even if it's required by the district to teach, see what you can actually bend to make it relatable to the students' life and that will keep them drawn in. For the meaningful conversation part, socratic seminar (like we did in class) is actually a great activity for students, especially if the teacher is not involved. The students won't be so stressed out about their comments if they know the teacher won't overshadow or comment on their ideas. Now, there is the chance that by not having the teacher involved that the students may go off on a tangent. However, this idea is to create a meaningful conversation and if the students are participating and really getting into whatever topic it may be, I believe that's what's most important. But, if this is something that is a pet peeve for you then I suggest creating a student facilitater who can watch the time and tell students to move on if need be. Another way to get students involved is just create a relatable, fun hands-on activity. I know that it may seem childish. But from my personal experience for myself as well as other students all the way through college, hands-on activities are always a win-win situation. So if you can bend whatever you're teaching into some kind of hands-on activity, you will generate some great ideas and meaningful conversation from your students! I hope this gives you some ideas!
Shannyn
I think the best way to engage middle school students in meaningful conversation is to make the subject matter relatable to their lives. Simply giving students information about English and grammar might interest a few people, but if you present the lessons in a way they find interesting and pertinent to their learning, it will attract many more. Involving students in their education and making each individual a part of their learning process is critical step towards teaching for engagement.
ReplyDeleteWhile talking about a reading ask a question you know middle school students will have an opinion about. A question that relates to current world issues and their opinion on the matter will interest more students and encourage them to contribute to discussion. Teachers must make sure their lessons appeal to their learning preferences and desires. If we make a meaningful and interactive lesson, it will surely engage learners (or at least more than the traditional way of standing at a white board).