Costa's Level of Thinking & Questioning
Inquiry-based learning focuses on the student as learner, developing skillful, open-ended questioning skills. Being able to recognize different levels of questions is beneficial for all students in many areas of learning. Understanding the three levels of questions, designed by Art Costa, is critical for student success.
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Philosophical Chairs
Philosophical Chairs is a technique that allows students to critically think, ponder and write their belief. First, the chair in the room should be arranged in the shape of a horseshoe. Then student should come to class with notes taken on an article, short story, essay, or literary selection. After being presented with a statement that will elicit thought and discussion, they should be told they will argue the merits of the statement and that their choice of seat during the discussion will illustrate their stance. For example, if they agree with the statement, they should sit on the right side of the room. If they disagree, they should sit on the left side, and if undecided, they should sit in the back. At designated intervals, student should be given the opportunity to change sides if they change their viewpoint. A good follow-up to this activity would be to write an argumentative essay.
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Four Corners
Post four pieces of paper in the four corners of the classroom. Write a controversial topic on the board (for example: Schools should eliminate report cards). Have students move to the corner that best matches their position (Strongly Agree, Somewhat Agree, Strongly Disagree, Somewhat Disagree). If social cliques are a problem, have students write their choice on a card first in order to ensure honest reactions. Each corner will have 2 minutes to discuss and solidify their reasoning/logic. Each group selects a spokesperson to express the group's position. He/she has 30 seconds to express thoughts concisely and persuade their classmates. Other groups must listen intently. After the first corner presents, invite those who have been persuaded to move to the appropriate corner. Direct each group to present their group's position in turn. Allow students to move to the appropriate corners if they have changed their minds.
Socratic Seminar
Socratic Seminar A Socratic Seminar is a scholarly discussion of an essential question in which student opinions are shared, proven, refuted, and refined through dialogue with other students. In classes of more than fifteen students, the fishbowl format for Socratic seminars should be used. In this format, the teacher or seminar leader facilitates the discussion. Only half the class, seated in an inner circle, participates in the discussion at one time. The other half of the class, seated in an outer circle, consists of the students who act as observers and coaches. Every student's participation is graded.
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OTHER SOCRATIC SEMINAR RESOURCES
Socratic Seminar: Patience & Practice on Teaching Channel
Socratic Seminar: Patience & Practice on Teaching Channel
Higher-Level Reflection
higher-level_reflection.pdf | |
File Size: | 111 kb |
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POSERS
posers_activity.pdf | |
File Size: | 76 kb |
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