Analyze information in order to build an argument.
According to Benjamin (2005), an analysis and argument are the primary topics when students approach a research paper. Prior to an assigned research paper, educators should develop certain skill sets for students. The ability to summarize text isn't enough to actually analyze information in order to build an argument.
In order to encourage students to take an assertive approach to writing, I used popular images or movie clips. The use of picture or a portion of a film in a classroom has potential because visual stimulation engages the students in conversation. Secondly, motivational questions about the visuals engage children because they make the lesson relevant to children. When I present a piece of literature for instruction, the process is the same. Finally, explore what part of the visual or text was most intriguing to them. Unfortunately, students will sometimes be too stimulated and miss the intended lesson. If teacher's aren't tactful, a very important purpose will be defeated in enrichment of instruction. The transition from verbal to written can be complicated for beginners.
The transition from verbal to written can be perplexing because a student only finds their voice through an attempt to analyze. When the visual or text of a lesson is too stimulating, students are almost subconsciously forced to ignore a voice that they already have. Students tend to not develop their own arguments and ideals because of the imposing emotional or social bias that the "subject" presented. Too often even as adults, we grow attached to stories that are from certain points of view. We don't consider the voice, perspective or authorship of what is presented to us. In this case, it would be difficult to encourage or develop a skill in students that we're not accustom to using as instructors.
Analysis and arguments are developed through the questioning of what is presented through literature or film. When students discuss what they found intriguing, students are highlighting the main components of what their arguments would be. Of course this approach is backwards if we consider the idea that the components of the issue is addressed before the topic question itself.
Nice post Terrell,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of using the visual tools to engage the students into a conversation and to take an assertive approach to writing. Personally, I also admire grpahics and visualizations.I believe, it is a great technique to introduce the young learners with a new topic or concept.
Definitely, Investigation-based technique is a great approach.Motivational introducations and questions help the students to learn a new topic and skill. Moreover, They start making a link to the previous learned skills. This mechanism fosters the learning process and allows the students to deal with even complex topics or writing procedures such as research papers.