Discussion Journal (9/3/14)

1. Discussion Journal (9/3/14) • “Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; argument is an exchange of ignorance.” ~ Robert Quillen • “In any war, the first casualty is common sense, and the second is free and open discussion.” ~ James Reston • “Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, or morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant education and free discussion are the antidotes of both.” ~ Thomas Jefferson • “Anyone who in discussion relies upon authority uses, not his understanding, but rather his memory.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci • “If we had more time for discussion, we should probably have made a great many more mistakes.” ~ Leon Trotsky • “Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking.” ~ Clement Attlee • Use the above quotations, examples from literature or popular culture, and your own experiences and ideas to write a paragraph definition of the word discussion. ** Be sure to include an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. **

2. Seminar Packet • Need to complete all 4 parts of the packet in order to receive full credit • Part B • Requires a minimum of fifteen items in the double column chart • Part D • Additional article information must be at least three items on the double column chart • Must be submitted prior to seminar discussion in order to PARTICIPATE • Will lose 70 points towards a test grade if not completed

3. Sample Double Column Chart

4. Socratic Seminar • Based on Socrates’ theory that thinking is more important than memorizing “right” answers • Allows students to examine a common text and respond to open-ended questions • Based on discussion and not debate • Dialogue is exploratory and involves the suspension of biases and prejudices. • Debate is a transfer of information designed to win an argument and bring closure. • In our class – • Has an inner and an outer circle

5. Seating Arrangements

6. Inner Circle Participate in the discussion Be polite and kind to your classmates Listen to what others have to say Refer to the text Add thoughtful, insightful questions into the conversation Take turns participating Speak loud enough for everyone to hear you Look at each other in the eye Use names when responding to another’s ideas Outer Circle Remain silent Write notes about anything you wanted to contribute but were not able to Listen to what others have to say Take notes on your classmates thoughts/ideas What To Do

7. Inner Circle Yell or be rude to someone that is talking Attempt to make a point about something you know nothing about Overpower the conversation Raise your hand Talk to the teacher instead of classmates Ignore a classmate’s hitchhike* Outer Circle Participate in the discussion Text or Use Cell Phone Work on homework for another class Pass notes to others sitting in the outer circle Zone out instead of paying attention What Not To Do

8. A “Hitchhike” • The only way to “jump” into the conversation while in the inner circle • Does not allow you to stop the classmate that is currently talking; means that you will go NEXT • Can only be used ONCE during the discussion

9. A “Tag Team” • The only way to “jump” into the conversation while in the outer circle • Allows you to switch spots with someone on the inner circle if they are willing • Does not allow you to stop the classmate that is currently speaking • Can only be used ONCE during the discussion

10. The Facilitator’s Role • Ask initial questions; throw in new questions when conversation stalls • Monitor student conduct • Record points for QUALITY of comments contributed to the discussion • Refrain from commenting on the discussion 

11. 4 points – contribution introduced an interesting, relevant question (not from original list) that was responded to by several others 3 points - contribution included reference to specific text and an interpretation of how it added to the novel 2 points – contribution did not include textual reference but was still well-thought out and relevant 1 point – contribution was basic but relevant 0 points – contribution was a re-wording of a classmate’s response and/or irrelevant Scoring

12. A newspaper article that includes: At least FIVE comments from classmates that were made during the discussion; quotations should be properly integrated A description of the event that includes the 5 W’s and H A description of the novel Any thoughts/feelings that you were unable to reveal during the course of the discussion A headline An image that corresponds with the article Submit your notes from when you were in the outer circle Should be typed Should be submitted through the online dropbox in Gaggle Should be at least 750 words Post-Discussion Assignment

13. Grading • Seminar Prep – 30 points • Discussion Participation – up to 40 points • Newspaper Article – up to 30 points This assignment will count as a TEST grade!

14. Jeffrey Aguilera Ixshel Alonso Walter Berduo Jalisa Brown Kenneth Carter Maurice Elmore Jesus Galeana-Medina Adorable Gant Juan Garcia Cruz Sarah Ha Alexis Jeffers Gabriel Lara Marquis Love Victoria Love Betsy Luna Evelin Melchor Basurto Tione Poteat Lino Ramirez Ammanda Robinson Rogelio Rodriguez Truvera Stanfield Daisy Vazquez William Wade Christopher Watson Your Classmates