Entry: I'm taking a poll... Oct 12, 2007



Can I get a "hallelujah!" if you're glad it's Friday?...

I'm requesting a favor.  If you're reading this, I 1) probably know you pretty well (you're probably one of 10 people or so) and 2) trust your opinion.  I need help thinking of a topic for a workshop I am supposed to teach.  Let me give you the break-down:

There is a technique that is used in a certain program at many schools across the nation (AVID, for those who know or care) that gets kids to learn to be critical thinkers and voice their opinion.  This technique is called socratic seminar.  Now, I missed most of this summer training due to a conflict, but I have agreed to teach this workshop (because I can't say no) without any extensive notes or examples of how it's done... oops.  I am asking around and studying up, so I should be OK.  But here's the problem-- I need a topic that is fairly common knowledge amongst adults and interesting to discuss in a group setting

The one example that has been given to me was a group of high school kids who analyzed the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song.  The teachers in the workshop will come from all backgrounds.  I feel like I spend so much time trying to put on a dog and pony show for a room full of teenagers every day that I am more in-tune with their likes and needs than with a group of people my age.  What would be interesting to you?

Ginger, I'm thinking maybe something like a Friday night salon topic might be in order???

   2 comments

Brooke
October 15, 2007   01:25 PM PDT
 
Thanks for the ideas, G. I think those are all great. I'll ask Cathy Hoch what she thinks (since she's my partner for the session). I think we are scheduled for a 2 hour session on Nov 28th? Could be 26th... I'll look. But it's in ERO. And I think I'm listed as "James Wasden"... If it's not mistaking me for a student, it's mistaking me for a retired, male, family member-- sheesh!
Ginger
October 14, 2007   08:00 AM PDT
 
Hmm. That's a hard one. Many of the salon topics are political, but some of the ones I've enjoyed include:
1. Is 'dumbing down' inevitable in a democracy? Maybe you could revise it to say 'in public school.'
2. What is the future of the book?
(this one hasn't been discussed and I would love to hear the teachers' perspectives)
3. Britney, J-Lo, and Paris: Why are we so fascinated?

When is your seminar? Can I come?

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