Due 2/5/07: Compare Your Small Group Experiences

We're moving toward more structured small group work. Last class (1/31), you were given an accountability, some roles, and a time limit with which to create your accountability product (the teaser).

Now that you've experienced a rather open-ended small group discussion and one that is more focused and formalized, compare and contrast the two experiences.

Tenets of effective group work:
1. Keep groups small (5ish)
2. Have clear roles and duties explained prior to starting the activity
3. Have a time limit
4. Have students craft an immediate accountability to keep them focused in group work (give them a common goal to work towards)
5. Find ways to assess the group experience (self-evaluations; evals of other group members, etc).

Are we getting closer to actualizing these ideas?

Post by 1/30/07: Thoughts on Your First Small Group Experience

Now that we've had our small group literature discussions about Stargirl, take a moment to reflect on your experience in the group. What did you like/dislike about how we organized the small groups today? Overall, how was the experience? Be candid.

Post a reply by January 30, 2007, please.

Your First Post: "What is YA Literature?"

So, what is it and what are your thoughts about it?

I admit, I used to be an elitist. If it wasn't canonical, I didn't really see why I needed it in my classroom. Back then, of course, I was still figuring out that the teaching focus wasn't on all my preferences but on the needs and interests of my students. I used to really turn up my nose at anything YA, but, I did so because I was stubborn in terms of my notions of "worthy literature" and ignorant to the complexity, variety, and quality of YA lit available.

How do you view YA lit?

Welcome to YA_USM!

Hi, class! This will be a place where we can post assignments, further discussions, and archive a record of our activities throughout the semester. It will be a private space for the bulk of the semester, but I will open it up to the world after we've finished our work. I will post your first topic soon! I look forward to a great class and a great semester!