Debating
“Fishbowl-ing” is a form of group discussion, but more than discussion, it is a debate over passages my classmates and I have read. About six or seven students form their chairs into a circle, and leave one extra chair open as the "hot" seat. All the other students make an outer circle around the smaller inner circle to practice listening skills as they oversee the debate. The outer circle students also have the opportunity, if wanted, to jump in the "hot" seat to put their input into the debate. As my classmates and I debated over the purpose of the passage and the rhetorical devices' purpose in the passage, I learned how to better use my communication skills, plus my listening skills. In addition, I noticed that discussing ideas in a group is one of the best ways to solve a problem. By debating over the text, we all eventually concluded to the true meaning of the passage.
Small group discussions, or literacy groups as my AP English 11 class calls them, provide opportunities for my classmates and me to discuss topics with each other in lesser crowds of our peers. These more personal groups help us get to know each other better and become more comfortable with sharing our ideas with one another. Mainly, smaller groups discuss our assigned reading, but sometimes each group has a specific task, like reporting to the class the group’s overall idea over an assignment. All of this helps us have a better understanding of the novel and its point. Small group discussions have helped me become closer to my classmates. Small group discussions have helped me become more open about my ideas with my classmates. Small group discussions have helped me develop my public speaking skills. Overall, small group discussions serve the purpose to encourage interaction between my classmates and me so we become more comfortable with each other and expand or discussion skills.
Oral & Visual Communications
Speaking: Students shall demonstrate effective oral communications skills to express ideas and to present information
Listening: Students shall demonstrate effective listening skills in formal and informal settings to facilitate communication.
Media Literacy: Students shall demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media as a mode of communication.
By commenting on my classmates’ blogs, plus the posts of true internet bloggers, I have gained tons of great feedback. Some responses have helped me improve my writing. Some have helped me look at a variety of issues from different perspectives. Overall, commenting on other individual’s blog posts has help me learn about my classmates’ opinions and how to set up discussions over mixed topics. Commenting is ultimately a superb way of establishing communication with others through technology. In addition, I covered the standard of Digital Citizenship because when I did post my comment links on my blog, I responsibly hid the names of my classmates, which keeps them safe from any outside viewers.
Digital Citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ehtical behavior.
Students:
A. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
B. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
C. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
D. exhibit leadership for digital citizenship.
Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and enviorments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
A. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital enviorments and media.
B. communication information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formates.
C. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures.
D. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.
