Conquest of Mexico, Writing Workshop

1. We watched the FOD video, "Conquest of Mexico"
2. Students wrote a paragraph in class (20 minute exersize). 
3. Established groups of 4 or 5.
4. Each student passed her paragraph to the student at her left.
5. This student evaluated the paragraph, using the star method.
6. The evaluator then reflected back to the writer what the paragraph said (5 minutes).
7. The evaluator explained his evaluation, using the sandwich approach (10 minutes).

The students responded well to the exercise, and I believe it will become a helpful component of the course. It is my hope that, beyond improving their writing, this assignment will help students learn to read, explain, listen to, and evaluate the ideas of others as well as their own. This should elevate their professionalism and help make them more valuable members of any team, in the public or private sector. "Yes" men and women are a dime a dozen. A professional who can offer effective evaluation and feedback is invaluable.

Sandwich Approach to Paragraph Critique

1. Mention the elements of the paragraph that the writer does well. This is the bread, the outside of the sandwich).
2. Explain which elements need more attention and why. This is the filling, the middle of the sandwich.
3. Tell the writer something positive you got from the paragraph, such as new information or a helpful perspective. There is something positive to say about every effort. This is the bread on the other side of the sandwich.

Evaluate a Paragraph

Evaluate your peers' writing by referring specifically to the following criteria:


Structure (Strong topic sentence, Strong conclusion).

Good use of evidence. Present evidence from all the assigned sources. Tell where your evidence came from.

Analysis (explain your evidence carefully. Be sure to identify all terms).


Proofreading (is it free of grammatical and spelling errors)?


Use the Sandwich Approach


1. Mention the paragraph's strong points (this is the first slice of bread on the sandwich).

2. Mention the elements that need more attention (this is the middle of the sandwich)

3. Mention something positive you got from the paragraph. Did you learn something new? Did it offer you a valuable perspective? There is something good to say about every effort. This is the top of the sandwich.

Today in Class, June 7 2011

1. The Cornell Note Taking Method. After a brief presentation on the earliest Americans, we watched "The Anasazi and Chaco Canyon."

2. Earliest Americans Presentation

3. Watched "Anasazi and Chaco Canyon."

4. Discussion: Was it a New World?"

Steal this Book

http://www.tenant.net/Community/steal/steal.html

Police and Gangs, Aldine

Harris County Sheriff's Office invades Aldine flea market.


Sheriff's Gang and DWI Crackdown

Houston Area Research

Hobby Center