Discussion SkillsAssignment: During the next few weeks, we will have several formal and graded discussions. You will be asked to reflect on this process and write a reflection about discussion skills at the end of this process.

Reflection:In class, you will write a 300-500 word reflection. You are allowed to use your past feedback/discussion/goals while you write a (300-500 word) reflection. This will take approximately 30 minutes.

1. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goals have you improved on the most over the past few weeks? (provide specific evidence (presumably from today’s discussion and past notes) to show how you improved on this goal(s))

2. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goal(s) do you still need to improve on? What has made it difficult for you to improve on these goal(s)? What steps can you take to improve on these goals next year? (provide specific examples if possible)

3. Overall, can you characterize your role as a participant in discussions? (make specific references to discussions)

4. How have the discussions helped you grow as a learner, thinker and contributor? (make specific references to discussions)

5. How are discussion skills similar and different to writing skills?

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Grading Sheet for Formative Discussion Reflection:Name___________________________ Earned Grade________/301. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goals have you

improved on the most over the past few weeks? (provide specific evidence (presumably from today’s discussion and past notes) to show how you improved on this goal(s))

______Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with specific evidence from past discussions

that demonstrate improvement in goals. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions

that demonstrate improvement in goals. (score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to goals rather than to actual discussions or

specific references to discussions but not demonstrating improvement. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

2. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goal(s) do you still need to improve on? What has made it difficult for you to improve on these goal(s)? What steps can you take to improve on these goals next year? (provide specific examples)

______Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with evidence from past discussions that

demonstrate the need for improvement in goals. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions

that demonstrate the need for improvement in goals. (score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to goals rather than to actual discussions or

specific references to discussions but not demonstrating improvement. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

3. Overall, can you characterize your role as a participant in discussions? (make specific references to discussions)

_____Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with specific evidence from past

discussions. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions.

(score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to your role rather than specific evidence to

demonstrate your role. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

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4. How have the discussions helped you grow as a learner, thinker and contributor? (make specific references to discussions)

_____Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with specific evidence from past

discussions. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions.

(score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to your role rather than specific evidence to

demonstrate your role. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

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Name______________________________________________Discussion 1: Discussion Question #1: How does Jared Diamond account for the question of Why Europe? Why NOT other places?

Feedback from Ms. Katz - = needs improvement = proficient + = exemplary

During a discussion, you should be: Listening to your classmates

o Giving positive reinforcemento Helping out (e.g. with pg #’s and facts)o Taking noteso Making eye contact

Adding new informationo Has facility with information

Using specific, relevant and accurate evidenceo Cite your source (with the pg number or author if possible)o Include quotations or paraphrasing of the source

Transitioning effectively from previous commentso Use qualifiers (“Adding onto Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ I disagree with

Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ and instead believe…”)o Offer evidence that directly supports or counters previous evidence (the

evidence about___________ is also supported on pg ______ when the author says) “ I want to support Ms. Katz’s point of ______________ because of this evidence __________.”

Take riskso Adding a risky/different/counter idea can inspire a great discussiono Do not be afraid to disagree with a comment or offer a counter opinion if the

group all has the same opinion.o Add your own opinion or information that you know on your owno Asking clarifying questionso Go meta!

ANSWER the question/prompt: This is the analysiso Help guide your group toward coming to a resolution that answers the

question.o Resolve disagreements rather than just the idea to “agree to disagree”

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o Analyze evidence presented to answer the question/prompt

Reflection Questions:

1. How did you contribute to the group today? (think about the evidence and analysis you provided)

2. What skills did you excel on? What skills need improvement? (based on your own opinion)

3. What skills did you excel on? What skills need improvement? (based on Ms. Katz’s feedback)

4. Which skills need improvement? What strategies will you employ to improve on your discussion skills? Set one goal for tomorrow’s discussion.

5. Answer the discussion question in 1-2 sentences below.

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Discussion Day #2 question: How does the Paul Kennedy account for the question of Why Europe? Hos is this similar or different to Jared Diamond? How do their theories compare to other ideas we have learned about.

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Name______________________________________________Discussion 2: Discussion Question #2: How does the Paul Kennedy account for the question of Why Europe? How is this similar or different to Jared Diamond? How do their theories compare to other ideas we have learned about?

Feedback from Ms. Katz - = needs improvement = proficient + = exemplary

During a discussion, you should be: Listening to your classmates

o Giving positive reinforcemento Helping out (e.g. with pg #’s and facts)o Taking noteso Making eye contact

Adding new informationo Has facility with information

Using specific, relevant and accurate evidenceo Cite your source (with the pg number or author if possible)o Include quotations or paraphrasing of the source

Transitioning effectively from previous commentso Use qualifiers (“Adding onto Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ I disagree with

Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ and instead believe…”)o Offer evidence that directly supports or counters previous evidence (the

evidence about___________ is also supported on pg ______ when the author says) “ I want to support Ms. Katz’s point of ______________ because of this evidence __________.”

Take riskso Adding a risky/different/counter idea can inspire a great discussiono Do not be afraid to disagree with a comment or offer a counter opinion if the

group all has the same opinion.o Add your own opinion or information that you know on your owno Asking clarifying questionso Go meta!

ANSWER the question/prompt: This is the analysis

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o Help guide your group toward coming to a resolution that answers the question.

o Resolve disagreements rather than just the idea to “agree to disagree”o Analyze evidence presented to answer the question/prompt

Reflection Questions:

1. How did you contribute to the group today? (think about the evidence and analysis you provided)

2. What skills did you excel on? What skills need improvement? (based on your own opinion)

3. What does the feedback from Ms. Katz reveal about your discussion skills?

4. Which skills need improvement? What strategies will you employ to improve on your discussion skills? Did you meet the goal you set yesterday? If yes, set a new goal. If not, create two strategies to improve on that goal for the next discussion.

5. Answer the discussion questions in 1-2 sentences below.

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Discussion Day #3 question: What are the geographical, social, political and economic reasons that Europe was able to discover and take over the New World? Why Europe? (particularly when they were weak during out last snapshot date of 1425?) Based on pgs 3-29 and previous unit.

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Name______________________________________________Discussion 3: Discussion Question #3: What are the geographical, social, political and economic reasons that Europe was able to discover and take over the New World? Why Europe? (especially since they were weak during out last snapshot date of 1460?) Based on pgs 3-31 and previous unit.Feedback from Ms. Katz - = needs improvement

= proficient + = exemplary

During a discussion, you should be: Listening to your classmates

o Giving positive reinforcemento Helping out (e.g. with pg #’s and facts)o Taking noteso Making eye contact

Adding new informationo Has facility with information

Using specific, relevant and accurate evidenceo Cite your source (with the pg number or author if possible)o Include quotations or paraphrasing of the source

Transitioning effectively from previous commentso Use qualifiers (“Adding onto Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ I disagree with

Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ and instead believe…”)o Offer evidence that directly supports or counters previous evidence (the

evidence about___________ is also supported on pg ______ when the author says) “ I want to support Ms. Katz’s point of ______________ because of this evidence __________.”

Take riskso Adding a risky/different/counter idea can inspire a great discussiono Do not be afraid to disagree with a comment or offer a counter opinion if the

group all has the same opinion.o Add your own opinion or information that you know on your owno Asking clarifying questionso Go meta!

ANSWER the question/prompt: This is the analysiso Help guide your group toward coming to a resolution that answers the

question.

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o Resolve disagreements rather than just the idea to “agree to disagree”o Analyze evidence presented to answer the question/prompt

Reflection Questions:

1. How did you contribute to the group today? (think about the evidence and analysis you provided)

2. What skills did you excel on? What skills need improvement? (based on your own opinion)

3. What does the feedback from Ms. Katz reveal about your discussion skills?

4. Which skills need improvement? What strategies will you employ to improve on your discussion skills? Set 3 goals that you will improve on by the summative discussion.

1.

2.

3.

5. Answer the discussion question in 3-4 sentences below.

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Discussion Questions for Day 4: Why was ________________not poised for global dominance? Does their (another region) weakness help Europe become globally dominant??

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Name______________________________________________Discussion Questions: Discussion #4: Why was ________________not poised for global dominance? Does their (another region) weakness help Europe become globally dominant?Feedback from Ms. Katz - = needs improvement

= proficient + = exemplary

During a discussion, you should be: Listening to your classmates

o Giving positive reinforcemento Helping out (e.g. with pg #’s and facts)o Taking noteso Making eye contact

Adding new informationo Has facility with information

Using specific, relevant and accurate evidenceo Cite your source (with the pg number or author if possible)o Include quotations or paraphrasing of the source

Transitioning effectively from previous commentso Use qualifiers (“Adding onto Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ I disagree with

Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ and instead believe…”)o Offer evidence that directly supports or counters previous evidence (the

evidence about___________ is also supported on pg ______ when the author says) “ I want to support Ms. Katz’s point of ______________ because of this evidence __________.”

Take riskso Adding a risky/different/counter idea can inspire a great discussiono Do not be afraid to disagree with a comment or offer a counter opinion if the

group all has the same opinion.o Add your own opinion or information that you know on your owno Asking clarifying questionso Go meta!

ANSWER the question/prompt: This is the analysiso Help guide your group toward coming to a resolution that answers the

question.

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o Resolve disagreements rather than just the idea to “agree to disagree”o Analyze evidence presented to answer the question/prompt

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Reflection Questions:

1. How did you contribute to the group today? (think about the evidence and analysis you provided)

2. What skills did you excel on? What skills need improvement? (based on your own opinion)

3. Did you have success in achieving your goals? If you still need to improve, what can you do to improve?

4. Go through each of your goals, did you achieve it?

5. Answer the discussion questions in 3-4 sentences below.

Questions next discussion: How does the Reformation and the Rise of Absolute Monarchs lead to the rise of Europe’s global dominance? How was the Atlantic System and “discovery” of the New World impacted by the Reformation and the Rise of Absolute Monarchs?

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Name______________________________________________Discussion #5: Discussion Questions: How does the Reformation and the Rise of Absolute Monarchs lead to the rise of Europe’s global dominance? How was the Atlantic System and “discovery” of the New World impacted by the Reformation and the Rise of Absolute Monarchs?

Feedback from Ms. Katz - = needs improvement = proficient + = exemplary

During a discussion, you should be: Listening to your classmates

o Giving positive reinforcemento Helping out (e.g. with pg #’s and facts)o Taking noteso Making eye contact

Adding new informationo Has facility with information

Using specific, relevant and accurate evidenceo Cite your source (with the pg number or author if possible)o Include quotations or paraphrasing of the source

Transitioning effectively from previous commentso Use qualifiers (“Adding onto Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ I disagree with

Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ and instead believe…”)o Offer evidence that directly supports or counters previous evidence (the

evidence about___________ is also supported on pg ______ when the author says) “ I want to support Ms. Katz’s point of ______________ because of this evidence __________.”

Take riskso Adding a risky/different/counter idea can inspire a great discussiono Do not be afraid to disagree with a comment or offer a counter opinion if the

group all has the same opinion.o Add your own opinion or information that you know on your owno Asking clarifying questionso Go meta!

ANSWER the question/prompt: This is the analysis

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o Help guide your group toward coming to a resolution that answers the question.

o Resolve disagreements rather than just the idea to “agree to disagree”o Analyze evidence presented to answer the question/promptReflection Questions:

1. How did you contribute to the group today? (think about the evidence and analysis you provided)

2. What skills did you excel on? What skills need improvement? (based on your own opinion)

3. Did you have success in achieving your goals? If you still need to improve, what can you do to improve?

4. Go through each of your goals, did you achieve them?

1.

2.

3.

5. Answer the discussion questions in 3-4 sentences below.

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Name______________________________________________Discussion #6: Discussion Questions: How does the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment lead to the rise of Europe’s global dominance? How was the Atlantic System and “discovery” of the New World impacted by the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment?How did the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment cause European exploration and dominance?

Feedback from Ms. Katz - = needs improvement = proficient + = exemplary

During a discussion, you should be: Listening to your classmates

o Giving positive reinforcemento Helping out (e.g. with pg #’s and facts)o Taking noteso Making eye contact

Adding new informationo Has facility with information

Using specific, relevant and accurate evidenceo Cite your source (with the pg number or author if possible)o Include quotations or paraphrasing of the source

Transitioning effectively from previous commentso Use qualifiers (“Adding onto Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ I disagree with

Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ and instead believe…”)o Offer evidence that directly supports or counters previous evidence (the

evidence about___________ is also supported on pg ______ when the author says) “ I want to support Ms. Katz’s point of ______________ because of this evidence __________.”

Take riskso Adding a risky/different/counter idea can inspire a great discussiono Do not be afraid to disagree with a comment or offer a counter opinion if the

group all has the same opinion.o Add your own opinion or information that you know on your owno Asking clarifying questionso Go meta!

ANSWER the question/prompt: This is the analysis

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o Help guide your group toward coming to a resolution that answers the question.

o Resolve disagreements rather than just the idea to “agree to disagree”o Analyze evidence presented to answer the question/promptReflection Questions:

6. How did you contribute to the group today? (think about the evidence and analysis you provided)

7. What skills did you excel on? What skills need improvement? (based on your own opinion)

8. Did you have success in achieving your goals? If you still need to improve, what can you do to improve?

9. Go through each of your goals, did you achieve them?

1.

2.

3.

10. Answer the discussion questions in 3-4 sentences below.

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Formative Discussion Reflection and Summative Discussion

During our unit, we reviewed and practiced the elements of successful participation in a discussion. Midway through this process, you picked several goals that you wanted to improve on during discussions. You will be graded on your ability to demonstrate improvement on the goals you have selected. In addition, everyone will be assessed on their ability to use specific evidence including quotations.

For this assignment, you will come to class on June 6th (Orange) and June 7th (Blue) prepared to discuss the question of:

Is world history characterized more by change or durability?

You will need to use all your readers from the entire year to prepare for this discussion.Your group will discuss this question with evidence and analysis for 25 minutes of which Ms. Katz will observe your group for 15-20 min. Ms. Katz will give grade you based on your ability to reach your goals and overall discussion proficiency. After the discussion, you may use all your discussion feedback sheets to help you answer the final reflection questions (below). Depending on what you are observed, this reflection may be HW.

______________________________________________________________________________

After the discussion, you will reflect on your progress as a participant. You are allowed to use your past feedback/discussion/goals while you write a (300-500 word) reflection. This will take approximately 30 minutes, to answer the following questions:

6. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goals have you improved on the most over the past few weeks? (provide specific evidence (presumably from today’s discussion and past notes) to show how you improved on this goal(s))

7. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goal(s) do you still need to improve on? What has made it difficult for you to improve on these goal(s)? What steps can you take to improve on these goals next year? (provide specific examples if possible)

8. Overall, can you characterize your role as a participant in discussions? (make specific references to discussions)

9. How have the discussions helped you grow as a learner, thinker and contributor? (make specific references to discussions)

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Grading Sheet for Formative Discussion Reflection:Name___________________________ Earned Grade________/305. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goals have you

improved on the most over the past few weeks? (provide specific evidence (presumably from today’s discussion and past notes) to show how you improved on this goal(s))

______Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with specific evidence from past discussions

that demonstrate improvement in goals. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions

that demonstrate improvement in goals. (score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to goals rather than to actual discussions or

specific references to discussions but not demonstrating improvement. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

6. Considering the feedback from Ms. Katz and your own analysis, which goal(s) do you still need to improve on? What has made it difficult for you to improve on these goal(s)? What steps can you take to improve on these goals next year? (provide specific examples)

______Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with evidence from past discussions that

demonstrate the need for improvement in goals. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions

that demonstrate the need for improvement in goals. (score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to goals rather than to actual discussions or

specific references to discussions but not demonstrating improvement. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

7. Overall, can you characterize your role as a participant in discussions? (make specific references to discussions)

_____Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with specific evidence from past

discussions. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions.

(score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to your role rather than specific evidence to

demonstrate your role. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

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8. How have the discussions helped you grow as a learner, thinker and contributor? (make specific references to discussions)

_____Question is answered:o Thoughtfully and completely with specific evidence from past

discussions. (score 9-10)o Thoughtfully and completely with vague references to past discussions.

(score 8-9)o Thoughtfully with references to your role rather than specific evidence to

demonstrate your role. Parts of question are not answered completely or thoughtfully. (score 7-8)

o Vaguely. Has little to no specific evidence. Question is not answered completely. (6-7)

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Name______________________________________________Final Discussion:Through what forces did societies affect other societies and what determined the extent of that impact? Feedback from Ms. Katz - = needs improvement

= proficient + = exemplary

During a discussion, you should be: Listening to your classmates

o giving positive reinforcement (nodding, helping out)o taking noteso making eye contact

Adding new informationo Ways to do this:

Look at your annolighting/hw notes to come up with ideas that are new for the group

Look at your reader and notes to bring in new information Answer questions ahead of time with a variety of answers.

Using specific, relevant and accurate evidenceo Cite your source (with the pg number or author if possible)o Include quotations or paraphrasing of the source

Transitioning effectively from previous commentso Use qualifiers (“Adding onto Ms. Katz’s point of ___________ I disagree with Ms.

Katz’s point of ___________ and instead believe…”)o Offer evidence that directly supports or counters previous evidence (the evidence

about___________ is also supported on pg ______ when the author says) “ I want to support Ms. Katz’s point of ______________ because of this evidence __________.”

Take riskso Adding a risky/different/counter idea can inspire a great discussiono Do not be afraid to disagree with a comment or offer a counter opinion if the

group all has the same opinion.o Add your own opinion or information that you know on your own

ANSWER the question/prompt: This is the analysiso Help guide your group toward coming to a resolution that answers the

question.o Resolve disagreements rather than just the idea to “agree to disagree”

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