Mon. Aug 29:
• Basic classroom rules / Introductions to new people
*PLEASE DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE BOOK "LITTLE BROTHER" FROM THE LINKS IN THE POST BELOW THIS ONE
*WEEK 1-A: Use my contact page to send me an email with your answers to the following questions:
1) What was the most USEFUL thing you got out of AVID 9?
2) What was the most MEMORABLE positive/fun thing from AVID 9?
3) In all of your classes last year except AVID, which was your biggest struggle? What did you struggle with?
4) What are your current thoughts/plans regarding college? (e.g. which college(s), what major, live in dorms/home, etc.)
5) What is something you'd like to learn/do in AVID 10?
6) What kind of music do you enjoy? Name 2-3 artists & songs as examples
Make sure you type in your full name and the correct email address when using the contact form or when sending an email.
Tues. Aug 30:
• Understanding WICOR and how that fits in with the goals of AVID
LINK: Poster detailing what WICOR stands for, with examples for each element
• Discussing ground rules and appropriate ways to handle debate of sensitive or inflammatory topics
*WEEK 1-B: Write a list of up to 10 ideas (minimum 5) for a debate that has two sides/viewpoints, which you could defend in class.
Remember, some topics can potentially offend others, we will need to be very careful to frame all arguments in a productive manner.
[Per. 3 - Sophomore assembly, we will try to get caught up to the other classes on Wednesday]
Wed. Aug 31:
• Discussion of free speech, censorship, the current national discussion of safe spaces in schools, taking offense, etc.
*WEEK 1-C:Take notes on the main ideas of the class discussion, to refer to as a guide for future debates
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will see videos and discuss:
1) why it is important to be able to present opposing viewpoints in a rational, adult manner
•VIDEO: Student protestors expressing their views in an unproductive manner
•VIDEO: Student protestors expressing largely the same view in a more productive manner
It's important to read the video description on this last one!
2) how to listen critically to topics and opinions with which you personally disagree, without attacking or feeling attacked
•VIDEO: Comedian Steve Hughes on why being offended isn't sufficient reason to end another's right to free speech
•VIDEO: Actor/comedian/author John Cleese on the Orwellian danger of censorship to free speech
• LINK: Wikipedia entry on "Chilling Effect"
3) how to structure arguments using sound logic, to better cause others to acknowledge your valid points
•VIDEO: An impassioned speaker being shut down by a clearly articulated, logical statement
•VIDEO: Example of a highly productive discussion, where both sides received standing ovations
4) the components of a good thesis statement
•VIDEO: How to write a thesis statement in 4 minutes
•VIDEO: A better video, but too long for class today and a bit more advanced - we'll revisit this one later
• Begin working with your group to structure a thesis and outline for each side of your argument
Thurs. Sep 1:
*WEEK 1-D: Complete a written summary of your group's argument, to be presented in class tomorrow. Must include:
- a thesis, with all three parts as described in the video
- a structured series of three or more points of supporting evidence for the validity of your argument
- a brief statement explaining how each point supports the thesis
- a concise conclusion
Fri. Sep 2
*WEEK 1-E: Present your opposing viewpoints in class, and analyze the effectiveness of your own and others' arguments
• Basic classroom rules / Introductions to new people
*PLEASE DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE BOOK "LITTLE BROTHER" FROM THE LINKS IN THE POST BELOW THIS ONE
*WEEK 1-A: Use my contact page to send me an email with your answers to the following questions:
1) What was the most USEFUL thing you got out of AVID 9?
2) What was the most MEMORABLE positive/fun thing from AVID 9?
3) In all of your classes last year except AVID, which was your biggest struggle? What did you struggle with?
4) What are your current thoughts/plans regarding college? (e.g. which college(s), what major, live in dorms/home, etc.)
5) What is something you'd like to learn/do in AVID 10?
6) What kind of music do you enjoy? Name 2-3 artists & songs as examples
Make sure you type in your full name and the correct email address when using the contact form or when sending an email.
Tues. Aug 30:
• Understanding WICOR and how that fits in with the goals of AVID
LINK: Poster detailing what WICOR stands for, with examples for each element
• Discussing ground rules and appropriate ways to handle debate of sensitive or inflammatory topics
*WEEK 1-B: Write a list of up to 10 ideas (minimum 5) for a debate that has two sides/viewpoints, which you could defend in class.
Remember, some topics can potentially offend others, we will need to be very careful to frame all arguments in a productive manner.
[Per. 3 - Sophomore assembly, we will try to get caught up to the other classes on Wednesday]
Wed. Aug 31:
• Discussion of free speech, censorship, the current national discussion of safe spaces in schools, taking offense, etc.
*WEEK 1-C:Take notes on the main ideas of the class discussion, to refer to as a guide for future debates
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will see videos and discuss:
1) why it is important to be able to present opposing viewpoints in a rational, adult manner
•VIDEO: Student protestors expressing their views in an unproductive manner
•VIDEO: Student protestors expressing largely the same view in a more productive manner
It's important to read the video description on this last one!
2) how to listen critically to topics and opinions with which you personally disagree, without attacking or feeling attacked
•VIDEO: Comedian Steve Hughes on why being offended isn't sufficient reason to end another's right to free speech
•VIDEO: Actor/comedian/author John Cleese on the Orwellian danger of censorship to free speech
• LINK: Wikipedia entry on "Chilling Effect"
3) how to structure arguments using sound logic, to better cause others to acknowledge your valid points
•VIDEO: An impassioned speaker being shut down by a clearly articulated, logical statement
•VIDEO: Example of a highly productive discussion, where both sides received standing ovations
4) the components of a good thesis statement
•VIDEO: How to write a thesis statement in 4 minutes
•VIDEO: A better video, but too long for class today and a bit more advanced - we'll revisit this one later
• Begin working with your group to structure a thesis and outline for each side of your argument
Thurs. Sep 1:
*WEEK 1-D: Complete a written summary of your group's argument, to be presented in class tomorrow. Must include:
- a thesis, with all three parts as described in the video
- a structured series of three or more points of supporting evidence for the validity of your argument
- a brief statement explaining how each point supports the thesis
- a concise conclusion
Fri. Sep 2
*WEEK 1-E: Present your opposing viewpoints in class, and analyze the effectiveness of your own and others' arguments