Small Group Discussion Protocol

Preparation – to be done before class on Wednesday, September 9

1.  Come with five probing, thoughtful, non-plot based questions regarding the selected text. These should be “good” questions; use “why” and “how.”

2.  Come prepared with notes over the reading. This might include: figures of speech, symbolism, mood, theme, allusions, etc.

3.  Find two key quotes or lines that you feel add extensive meaning to the text as a whole and explain why or how each accomplishes this.

4.  Your preparation should cover Acts I-III of The Crucible, but try to focus mainly on Act III.

During Discussion – to be done in class on Wednesday, September 9

1.  Ask questions regarding the text or discussion.

2.  Use textual references to support thoughts or ideas regarding the text.

3.  Make connections to what has already been stated that add insight to the discussion.

4.  Participate respectfully:

  1. Avoid dominating the discussion, but make sure you are a valid participant.
  2. Value the ideas of others.
  3. Encourage others to participate.
  4. Challenge the ideas of others without criticism.
  5. Allow others to finish their statements before beginning.
  6. Understand that silence may be needed for participants to reflect on an idea and develop their thoughts.

5.  Introduce new ideas for others to discuss.

6.  Remain focused on the discussion without participating in side conversations.

7.  Take notes on key ideas during the discussion.

8.  Focus on the meaning within the text and not on plot elements.

After Discussion – to be done after the discussion on Wednesday, September 9

Write a 1-2 page reflection that discusses new insights you received regarding the text as a result of the discussion. Review key ideas that were discussed and explain their significance. At the end, include a paragraph reflecting on your participation in the discussion and the participation of others.


Discussion Rubric

All three components will be graded separately according to the rubric below.

Advanced
Perceptive, Insightful, Independent, Persuasive, Precise, Logical
The student meets all expectations of the task and demonstrates a comprehensive & insightful level of textual comprehension. Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the text. Reflection/Preparation includes relevant details and elaboration to support conclusions. Offers insight and shows understanding. / Proficient
Good, Pertinent, Thoughtful, Clear
The student meets most expectations of the task. Student shows minor gaps in textual comprehension. Answers are accurate, yet lack depth or elaboration of understanding. Gets “Big Ideas” but doesn’t dig for details to support ideas. Response/Preparation demonstrates adequate understanding of the text.
Partially Proficient
Adequate, Generally Relevant, Needs to reread & Revise
The student fails to meet critical expectations and has frequent gaps in textual understanding. Reflection/Preparation suggests some understanding of important ideas, but gaps in understanding are clearly evident. Answers may be simplistic or only partially correct. / In Progress
Unsubstantiated generalizations, Confusing, Inaccurate
The student fails to meet most of the expectations and has weak textual comprehension. Demonstrates a minimal or inaccurate understanding of the topic. Reflection/Preparation demonstrates minimal understanding. May be irrelevant or inaccurate. May suggest misunderstanding of the text.

Preparation:

Advanced / Proficient / Partially Proficient / In Progress

Discussion:

Advanced / Proficient / Partially Proficient / In Progress

Reflection:

Advanced / Proficient / Partially Proficient / In Progress

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