This discussion strategy uses writing and silence as tools to help students explore a topic in depth. In a Big Paper discussion, students write out their responses to a stimulus, such as a quotation or historical document. This process slows down students’ thinking and gives them an opportunity to focus on the views of others. It also creates a visual record of students’ thoughts and questions that you can refer to later in a course. You can use this strategy both to engage students who are not as likely to participate in a verbal discussion and to help make sure that students who are eager to talk and listen carefully to the ideas of their classmates. After they participate in this activity several times, students’ comfort, confidence, and skill in using this method increases.
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
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IOER Community Rating: Strong
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Research to Build and Present Knowledge
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IOER Community Rating: Strong
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9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
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Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.
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IOER Community Rating: Poor
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Use communication and social skills to interact effectively with others.
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IOER Community Rating: Poor
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Analyze how listening and talking accurately help in resolving conflicts.
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Poor
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