Marzano Strategy
Think-Pair-Share
My AP Lit class wouldn't work without collaboration. We've studied the particulars of poetry and prose for the last nine months, but they seem to respond better when they don't feel like it's a solo pursuit. This strategy is simple, but effective. I use it with journal prompts, short texts, or poems. Most recently, we looked at the 2010 AP Lit test prompts--not the ones they used, but the alternate test prompts--and utilized this strategy.
With poetry, I give them the text, and they need to mark it up with notes--literary terms, comments--and look at title, tone, theme, etc. They know the drill, as we've done this often. Next, I have them pair up and share their information with a partner. With sophomore classes, I give them a time limit and have them switch, but with AP, they share, discuss and switch when they're ready. Then we bring it back to the class for whole class discussion.
I like this strategy because it gives students a chance to share their ideas and not feel like they have to fail in front of a group. Once they've shared with their partner, they're more likely to share with the rest of the class. We've had some of our best discussions this way.
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Ashley, I like the idea of letting them float the trial balloon with a partner before sending the idea up in front of the class. Maybe we ought to talk about some of those things that work before you take off for parts Southwest. I've thought about that so many times, but haven't done it.
ReplyDeleteDave,
ReplyDeleteYes, let's chat about strategies. I'm always looking for new ideas and would love to consult a guru such as yourself.
I love the think-pair-share for poetry analysis. I'm going to try it on my honors kids next year.
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