Quote from Krohn...

See the possibilities
Seize the opportunities
-Mr. Ryan Krohn

Do you have a Thesis? What exactly is a THESIS?

What up Almost Freshies!?

      Below you will find 3 checklists that will help guide you through your work today.  STEaM time is a little different than the last few days so all of you should have at least decided on a project idea. 
　
COMPARATIVE LITERARY ANALYSIS
During Work Time I Can…
Identify Title of my book____________________
Identify THEME of Interest__________________
Progress in my thinking within Book
Review a Section of Book
Connect Outside Sources to Text
Connect Textbook to Text
Harvest Level One Questions
Harvest Level Two Questions
Harvest Level Three Questions
Connect With Other Readers

Debate PreparationsDuring
Work Time I Can…
Connect Outside Sources to Primary Source Text
Connect Textbook to Primary Source Text
Read and Reread Article
Annotate Text
Brainstorm Ideas for Ethos Letter
Brainstorm Ideas for Logos Letter
Brainstorm Ideas for Pathos Letter
Begin Formulating Possible Debate Arguments
Begin Formulating Possible Debate Rebuttals
Find Your Own Primary Source Material
Connect With Other Debaters

Self-Proposed Project
Read and annotate text
Conduct Research on a possible persona
Create a persona
Connect With Other Interested Students
Write up a Proposal for the Project
Confer With Adult Facilitator

   What should be going through your minds now is the MAIN IDEA of you piece of writing.  Even if you are all doing a project or debate to go along with your piece of writing, a THESIS is the anchor of you thoughts.  Click on the videos below to see what i mean...

What is a Thesis?

Whoever made this Youtube video needs to take a class on how to improve.  (But it's still filled with great information on what a thesis is!)

Sincerely,
C

From the cluttered mind of C, Teacher
School District of Waukesha
Waukesha STEM Academy

ASK, and ye shall receive...

Good Day Y'all,

      Here are the three writing assignments we must learn and engage in before the end of the year.  We have 3 months; March, April, and May, to learn persuasive writing, a literary analysis, and expository writing; along with the constitution, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War.
How do these become projects I facilitate?
What module topics must we include to support this?
How do we make it LESS MINE & MORE OURS?
    Please familiarize yourselves with them and bring ideas to circle for discussion...

Persuasive writing, could be referred to as a creative writing or an argument, in which the speaker uses words to convince the reader of a writer’s view(s) regarding an issue. Persuasive writing involves convincing the reader to perform an action, or it may simply consist of an argument(s) convincing the reader of the writer’s point of view. Persuasive writing is one of the most used writing types in the world. Persuasive writers employ many techniques to improve their argument and show support for their claim. Another definition is "an essay that offers and supports an opinion".

By appealing to credibility, writers can make their claims more believable. This is called an appeal to ethos, as defined by Aristotle. The writer builds on his or her ethos by writing with clarity (an important element of style) and eliminating contradictions within the text itself. The writer will be more credible to the target audience if there are no internal errors in syntax and mechanics as well as no factual errors in the subject matter.

Writers can appeal to logic when writing to persuade using the appeal known as logos. This appeal is manifested in the supporting statements for the writer’s claim. In most cases, a successful appeal to logos requires tangible evidence, e.g., a quote from acknowledged written material. The writer will appeal to the rationality of the audience.

Possibly the most important appeal for persuasive writers is the appeal to emotions or pathos. “A successful pathetic appeal will put the audience in a suitable mood by addressing their knowledge of or feelings about the subject” (Mendelson). This can be a very effective way to win over an audience!

Most persuasive writing techniques use an effective combination of all three appeals. It is the best way to convince people.

Expository writing is a type of writing where the purpose is to inform, describe, explain, or define the author's subject to the reader. Expository text is meant to deposit information and is the most frequently used type of writing by students in colleges, high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and universities. A well-written exposition remains focused on its topic and lists events in chronological order. Examples of expository writing include driving directions and instructions on performing a task. Key words such as first, after, next, then, last, before that, and usually signal sequential writing. Second-person instructions with "you" are acceptable.[clarification needed] However, the use of first-person pronouns should be avoided. Expository essays should not reveal the opinion of the writer.

Exposition is a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform on what is being discussed. One important point to keep in mind for the author is to try to use words that clearly show what they are talking about rather than blatantly telling the reader what is being discussed. Since clarity requires strong organization, one of the most important mechanisms that can be used to improve the writer's skills in exposition is to provide directions to improve the organization of the text.It tells readers about the information in the selection.

Let's think about the type of writing that most of us encounter in our daily lives. When you pick up and read a non-fiction book, magazines, or newspaper article the author uses expository writing to inform you, the reader, about the topic. At school, students are required to submit school exams and research papers as a means for their teachers to grade their progress. Finally, at work, people are required to produce business reports and memorandums to inform their superiors and co-workers about the occurrences that take place at other levels of the company. In addition, oral exposition is primarily observed in oral academic presentations, business talks, and speeches that are delivered to a group of people. As each of these different cases illustrate, expository writing and speech surround us in our everyday lives. The primary intent of the Expository Writing Program contained at this web site will be to help move students closer to mastering the hows, whens, and wheres to select different oral and written expository styles for a variety of real world contexts.

Literary theory in a strict sense is the systematic study of the nature of literature and of the methods for analyzing literature.[1] However, literary scholarship since the 19th century often includes—in addition to, or even instead of literary theory in the strict sense—considerations of intellectual history, moral philosophy, social prophecy, and other interdisciplinary themes which are of relevance to the way humans interpret meaning

Comparative Analysis

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/CompAnalysis.html

Sincerely,
C

I'm Back!! I can't wait to hear your project proposal ideas...

Good Morning, and in case I don't see all of you, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight,

      High Tech High

      The link above is a video that was made by one of the schools we saw in Appleton yesterday.  The School is in San Diego and is a charter school like ours.  The reason I am showing this video to you is because the philosophies, ideas, students, and teachers reminded me of who we are.  I received blog posts yesteray while TWO HOURS away from you.  I could see most of you were taking leadership of your own learning whether I was here or not.  DO YOU KNOW HOW POWERFUL THAT IS!?  DO YOU KNOW HOW UNIQUE THAT MAKES ALL OF YOU!? 

      I tried to send this message via text message yesterday but for some reason there were technical dificulties.  So, here it is today...
Ladies and Gentlemen... I have received your blog comments here in Appleton! Thank you to the Filthy Brits and Bloody Americans. Thank you to Rob Tyndall. Thank you to Moosey. Thank you to Karin McBride. Thank you to Jacob Stankowski. You all have shown how to use the blog and how to LEAD YOUR OWN LEARNING!! Your project proposals sound absolutely phenomenal!! I can't wait to help facilitate your ideas!!
Sincerely,
C
P.S. my phone is on me and I am getting updates. Keep your messages coming.

Sent from my iPhone

Here are your new learning targets unveiled below:
History:  I can understand historical perspective by applying content in order to evaluate relationships of people and ideas as well as draw conclusions. 
Reading & Literacy:  I can identify main ideas, analyze supporting details, and evaluation inferences within discipline specific reading, text, and media. 
Writing:  I can produce clear and coherent communication in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose and audience. 
Writing:  I can develop a thesis, support it with multiple forms of evidence, and provide anaylsis with an explanation in written form. 
 
Sincerely,


From the cluttered mind of C, Teacher
School District of Waukesha
Waukesha STEM Academy

Guest Teacher Today...

Good Morning and Good Afternoon (Core 3),

      Today is your day!  I have poked, prodded, got you in groups, forced you into tribes activities, and even walked you through the Declaration of Independence.  Yesterday you all did 3 hours of testing for crying out loud!  So today is your day.  ACADEMIC CHOICE. 


      Here is what I mean...


      1.  Some of you are ready to go with your projects.  Great! Get a start.


      2.  Some have not selected projects Great!  Select one you like.


      3.  Some would like to propose different project ideas.  Great! Write up a proposal with      you or a friend and submit one to me.   


      4.  Some need time to read and annotate text.  Great! Highlighters, post its, pens, text, and paper are at your disposal. 


      5.  Some would like to create or discover a persona for debates or reenactments.  Great! Begin the research you need to create a persona you like. 

      Today is your day to either choose your work, start your work, or continue your work.  Please make sure that you are interacting with some text of your choosing today. 
    
*Special note to CORE 2:  First, let me start by sharing good old fashioned appreciation for all of you.  From those of you who don’t like me very much to those who share laughs and smiles with me on a daily basis I say thank you.  Thank you for taking the discussion yesterday to heart.  Thank you for contributing and listening even if what was being said confused you, irritated you, or frustrated you.  Thank you for trusting me as not only your teacher, but also as an adult in your life who is trying to make your experiences better (and by better I mean engaging). Whether you all want to accept it or not I do have your best interests at heart. 

      Now, back to all my CORES, here is the rest of my message.  This is not my feeble attempt at sarcasm.  This is what I see as a teacher.  You are all brilliant and capable: I believe this and I expect you to prove me right.

Sincerely,

C
P.S. Why do some of you draw the correlation that writing more papers, reports, and assignments will help you to become an engaging writer?  
Do you know how to problem solve?  All of you do, yet we do not have a problem solving CORE here at STEM because we problem solve all day.
Do you know how to present a presentation?  All of you do, because you are asked to show your learning at least once a week. 
Do you know how to watch a movie and formulate an opinion based on what you saw?  You know you all do yet we don't have a movie watching skills class here at STEM. 

From the cluttered mind of C, Teacher

School District of Waukesha

Waukesha STEM Academy

Debates or Comparative Literary Analysis: You Decide...

Hey Gang,

      You all know how we are kicking off our day today.  We have one final step to finish up ARGUING BOTH SIDES.  We will get together with our argument partners and come to a consensus that would be mutually beneficial for both teachers and students when it comes to cell phones in the classroom.  Use your notes and evidence from the text as well as your own innovative thinking. 
      In each CORE today Miss Holsen and I will be launching the next project for Historical Literacy.  Miss Holsen will be showing us how we might go about selecting books for a COMPARATIVE LITERARY ANALYSIS.  I will be handing out the rubrics and the 8 debate topic there are to choose from.  So by the end of tomorrow you must select either the COMPARATIVE LITERARY ANALYSIS or THE DEBATE.

MUST DO's. Vs. CAN DO's for Both ProjectsMust read... Can be primary source or historical fiction
Must write... Can be letters to opponents or another persuasive writing piece
Must revisit the America Revolution... Can be through nonfiction or Historical fiction

Books for comparative literary analysis 

      We will wrap up class with time to look at the different books and the primary sources so you can make an educated decision as to which path you wish to take.  Your learning targets can be found below in red.  Enjoy!

READING:  I can evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text; assess the reasoning and evidence for relevancy.

WRITING:  I can write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Sincerely,
C

From my iPhone...

Sometimes the biggest thing that gets in the way of students is THE TEACHER!

From Philosophical Chairs to Arguing Both Sides...

Hello there,

      So we meet again debators.  Now that you all have had a taste of defending a point/perspective in a debate-like activity, let's take our skills to the next level.  Today we are going to do a debate preparation activity called ARGUING BOTH SIDES.  As you enter the room and read this blog post please grab a piece of blank paper and fold it right down the middle from top to bottom.  Across the top please write "Why Cell Phones Should Be banned in School".  Label the left column "Reasons" and the right-hand column "Examples". 

      When you have this set up you are ready for circle.  Please check out the learning targets for the day and figure out how you might want to go about hitting them. 

READING:  I can evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text; assess the reasoning and evidence for relevancy.

WRITING:  I can write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Yours Truly,

C

From the cluttered mind of C, Teacher

School District of Waukesha

Waukesha STEM Academy

Philosophical Chairs: Day 2...

What's up Debaters!?

      All your teachers could not be more impressed by all of you!  From the students who had a chance to speak there voice to the students who did not get a chance to speak, all of you handled yourselves well.  It seems to me you all are natural debaters. 

      Here are your learning targets again for the day.  Please look them over and think of a few ideas as to how we hit those yesterday and how we will hit them today.  Come to circle with 2 ideas. 
Learning Targets:
I can make informed judgements about media. 
I can prepare for and engage in collaborative discussions (large group, small group or partner), clearly expressing my own ideas and building on others’ ideas.
I can sort out relevant information from irrelevant information in written text and in information presented orally.

      Now, down to brass tacks.  I took notes yesterday and made many observations in all three CORE classes.  I posted my notes on blackboard if anyone is interested in seeing those.  Although each CORE had a different experience, here were some common questions:

1. Is there a topic that you would like to revisit? 

2. Are there any topics that have not been discussed that you feel need to be discussed?

3. Is there a topic you would be interested in doing additional research to discover additional information? 

4. Was there anything that was brought forth during debate that you would like to have a chance to rebuttal now? 

5. Is there a debate topic you can think of on your own that you would like to add to the list? 

      Below are the topics for you to see and follow along:

·       STEM Academy should facilitate modules as opposed to direct instruction to encourage the development of self0directed learning and the understanding of concepts.

·       Organ donation should be compulsory for all United States citizens

·       The public's right to know is more important than the privacy of celebrities

·       September 11 should be made a national holiday

·       Middle schools should not have promotion ceremonies

·       Schools should be year round

·       Zoos do more good than harm

·       The United States government should provide free healthcare for all U.S. citizens

·       The United States should significantly expand its use of nuclear power

·       Beauty pageants do more good than harm

·       All Americans should be required to provide one year of national service

·       College athletes should be paid

·       To combat obesity, the government is always looking at policies to encourage people to eat healthier foods while cutting out fatty and sugary items, but what about the idea of food taxes on certain goods?

·       Should Americans carry an identity card with them at all times or is this and invasion of privacy?

·       Should the U.S. government continue to aid other countries or help our own?

·       Should High Schools offer alternate training for those who do not intend on going to college instead of the same education?

      Welcome to round two of Philosophical Chairs.  Remember paraphrasing: Ethos.  Remember thoughtful reflection: Pathos.  Remember textual evidence as well: Logos. 

Sincerely,
C

From the cluttered mind of C, Teacher

School District of Waukesha

Waukesha STEM Academy

Philosophical Chairs...

Happy Camel Day Y'all,

      You all know what Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are now.  You all know how to paraphrase written text and verbal conversation.  You all have a basic understanding of what a debate is and what philosophical chairs is as well.  YOU ARE READY! 

      Below you will see the topics and the learning targets for today's game.  Please bring your open mind and open heart to the game today.  Philosophical chairs is not played to belittle anyone, make someone feel inferior, or make someone feel better than someone else.  This game is played to practice the art of persuasion and influence, NOT MANIPULATION!!  This game is played to form thoughts and opinions as well as support them with your credibility, reason, and your feelings.  Feel free to try things out today and make mistakes.  I'm asking you to make mistakes today.  Get out of your comfort zones.  Today is practice.  As long as you participate there is no way you can fail at this. 

·       STEM Academy should facilitate modules as opposed to direct instruction to encourage the development of self0directed learning and the understanding of concepts.

·       Organ donation should be compulsory for all United States citizens

·       The public's right to know is more important than the privacy of celebrities

·       September 11 should be made a national holiday

·       Middle schools should not have promotion ceremonies

·       Schools should be year round

·       Zoos do more good than harm

·       The United States government should provide free healthcare for all U.S. citizens

·       The United States should significantly expand its use of nuclear power

·       Beauty pageants do more good than harm

·       All Americans should be required to provide one year of national service

·       College athletes should be paid

·       To combat obesity, the government is always looking at policies to encourage people to eat healthier foods while cutting out fatty and sugary items, but what about the idea of food taxes on certain goods?

·       Should Americans carry an identity card with them at all times or is this and invasion of privacy?

·       Should the U.S. government continue to aid other countries or help our own?

·       Should High Schools offer alternate training for those who do not intend on going to college instead of the same education?

Learning Targets:
I can make informed judgements about media. 
I can prepare for and engage in collaborative discussions (large group, small group or partner), clearly expressing my own ideas and building on others’ ideas.
I can sort out relevant information from irrelevant information in written text and in information presented orally.

Yours truly,

C