I really like the idea of content-area book clubs. This
activity not only gives students a chance to read about something they are
interested in, but it also gives them responsibility. During these book clubs
students are to read a certain number of pages, chapters, etc. and then come to
class with notes on the sections they read. These notes could include passages
that stood out while they were reading, questions that arose, or just something
that the student might think is important. What I really enjoyed reading about
in this chapter are the jobs that are assigned to students in their groups. These
jobs include; The connector who is to find connections between the material
their group is reading and the outside world. The questioner who is to write
down a few questions that they had about the selection they chose. The passage
master who is to locate key sentences or paragraphs that the group should look
back on. The vocabulary enricher who is to be on the lookout for important
words. The illustrator who is to draw some kind of picture related to the
reading. And the researcher who is to dig up some background information on any
topic related to the reading they chose. I liked these jobs because it holds
students accountable and they all have to play a part in making things run
smoothly in their group. It also ensures that students have to read the
selection they chose so they are able to play an ample role in their group. Content-area
book clubs give students a chance to engage in a material of his or her choice
all the while gaining important thoughts and understanding from the reading.
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Do your part!
Kayeli,
ReplyDeleteI agree I think book clubs can work well because we give students a choice and it is a low pressure assignment. I think there will always be those students who just don't do the reading, but by giving them a specific job it creates responsibility. It gives them authority and allows them to be in charge, which can really help them stay involved. Just telling students to read even if they have a choice as to what they are reading might not have the same outcome of active learning. (91)
Yes, the jobs idea would help address your concern about students not doing the reading. Would make them feel like part of team that needs them.
DeleteKayeli,
ReplyDeleteI agree I think book clubs can work well because we give students a choice and it is a low pressure assignment. I think there will always be those students who just don't do the reading, but by giving them a specific job it creates responsibility. It gives them authority and allows them to be in charge, which can really help them stay involved. Just telling students to read even if they have a choice as to what they are reading might not have the same outcome of active learning. (91)
Thanks, Kayeli. I'm glad you've highlighted the importance of allocating jobs when organizing book clubs. When dealing with younger students, they may not know how to handle the freedom of a open-ended book talk. When they have specific jobs, however, they'll know what their supposed to contribute. One idea (can't remember if this was addressed in the book): however you break up the reading, have students rotate jobs so that they're not always doing the same thing, and so that they get practice with the different skills.
ReplyDelete