Organizing talk in a content classroom

Jeta DonovanFebruary 11, 2010

Agenda

Timed Topic Talks

Pro-Con Presentations

Two more debate ideas

PROMPTS!

Timed Topic Talks

Take 5 minutes to look at the research data I’m passing out to you. Web address: http://nationsreportcard.gov/math_2009/district_context_1_district.asp

Partner Up! Select a Partner A and Partner B.

I will call out a topic, and say “Go.” Partner A will have one minute to say everything they know about that topic. Your discussion MUST include “numerical facts.” After one minute, I will say switch and Partner B will discuss everything they know about this topic for one minute.

Topics: Time spent on math in 8th grade classrooms, 8th graders using calculators in math classrooms, math teachers level of education, Computer/Technology Use

Pro/Con Statements

Partner A is Pro. Partner B is Con.

Pro: New York City public schools are succeeding mathematics instruction

Con: New York City public schools are failing in mathematics instruction.

Your pro/con statement should state your position and provide at least 3 supporting reasons. Your supporting reasons should include “numerical facts”

You will have 5 minutes to write your Pro/Con Statement. Then you’ll share with your partner.

Pro/Con Statement Skeleton

My Position is........................

Many people think that..............because...............

However, I think that...............because...............

Also because.......................

In short, ...................because..................