Fri. Oct. 31, 2014: Presentations/reflections

Today, we finished viewing the panel discussions. The issue today was whether bilingualism in signs/public sector should be enforced.
I then handed out a reflection activity that all students need to complete as part of their mark. It was due today. If you were not here, it is linked below. Please fill it in and submit it on Monday or your first day back.

Panel Presentation Reflection Activity

Thurs. Oct. 30, 2014: Panel Presentations

Today, three groups presented on Canadian issues. The issues were as follows:

Should the drinking age be changed?
Should Canada increase defence?
Should assisted suicide be lagalized?

We will finish these discussions tomorrow.

Be sure to bring your independent novel to class tomorrow (and all days, of course) in case we have time to read.

Wed. Oct. 29, 2014: Panel Presentations

Today, three of the groups presented. The issues discussed were as follows:
* Who should control technology (if it should be controlled at all)?
* Should health care services be publicly or privately funded?
* Should Canadian borders be better secured?

We discussed the importance of active viewing and what it looks like (eyes on the presentation, jot notes, questions written and discussed at end of presentation).

We also discussed what worked (standing, a gimmick, personal anecdotes, not reading off a paper, a strong pattern to present content).

Tues. Oct. 28, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you worked on completing your information gathering for your panel presentations. I have placed a marking rubric in each of your portfolios so you will be aware of what is expected in the presentation itself. I also spoke to about half the class about their progress.

Fri. Oct. 24, 2014: Panel Presentation Preparation/Research

Today, you worked in your groups on collecting information regarding the issue your group has decided to discuss. I stressed the importance of creating questions as part of this process, especially when the group will have to do individual work on their own. I also reminded the class to share contact information. Be sure to refer to the deadlines posted (presentation days) on yesterday's blog.

Thurs. Oct. 23, 2014: Panel Presentation Planning

Today, students provided the instructor with the issue their group will address. Dates for each group to present were also chosen. Students also provided the instructor with the name of the moderator in their group.
Students were reminded that they only get three hours of class time to prepare for this in their group settings.  They were also encouraged to share contact information and utilize technology outside of class (and time management) to be successful in this endeavor.

The presentations will go ass follows:

Group Three: Wednesday (first discussion)
Group One: Wednesday (second discussion)
Group Two: Wednesday (third discussion) MAY BE THURSDAY DEPENDING ON TIME!
Group Seven: Thursday (first discussion)
Group Four: Thursday (second discussion)
Group Five: Thursday (third discussion) MAY FE FRIDAY DEPENDING ON TIME!
Group Six: Friday (first discussion)

Wed. Oct. 22: Panel Discussion Assignment on Issue

Today, we finished reading the instructions for the panel discussion. I provided you with additional parameters regarding the roles of panelists, moderators and audience members (attached).

Your goal today was to introduce yourself to the group and determine a Canadian issue you see as relevant. Tomorrow, I will ask each group what their issue is in order to ensure you are all on the right track.

Keep in mind that you need to keep reading your independent novel on days when there is no homework. You all chose your own books, so the experience shouldn't be painful.

Additional notes for panel discussion

We discussed presentation dates. It was decided that the presentations should be next Wednesday, Thursday, and, if needed, Friday.

We still have not discussed a fair way to determine which group will go when. This will be determined tomorrow.

Tues. Oct. 21, 2014: Issues: Panel Presentation

Today, we began class by getting into gender neutral groups and discussing the assignment from yesterday (what stereotypes were found, evidence, issues).
I modeled this activity with student input. The notes from this activity are inserted below:

Canadian Bacon Notes 

I stressed the following tips:

* When you view a film actively, you get more out of it.

* Notes from a visual, when used in an essay, are almost always paraphrased (from your head!!!!). Even when writing an essay from a text is it better to use quotation strings sparingly!!!!

I then handed out the next major assignment, an adaptation of a panel discussion. We read this actively, correcting and inserting information as needed (it was adapted from the Internet). We did not finish discussing it today; however, a copy of this assignment is pasted below:

Panel Presentation Assignment


The rest of it will be discussed tomorrow.

Monday, Oct. 20, 2014: Note-taking/film study

Today, we finished watching the feature film, Canadian Bacon. As a class, we discussed the stereotypes present. Students were then put into groups of three to determine the following:

U.S. Stereotypes and evidence
Canadian Stereotypes and evidence
Issues still unresolved addressed in this film.

This is to be a discussion, though jotting notes are important. The focus, however, is on engaging in a group and being a part of the discussion.

Fri. Oct. 17, 2014: Film/Note-taking

Today, we continued to watch the film Canadian Bacon. You also continued with note-taking regarding summary and stereotypes/satire. We stopped at 1:03:19.

Remember: You need to get caught up while you don't have additional assignments. Next week, you will be back to writing.

Thurs. Oct. 16, 2014: Film/Note-taking

Today, we worked on note-taking and group discussion. You watched the first 16 minutes of the film Canadian Bacon, filling in the stereotype sheet and the summary. I stopped the film a number of times to discuss the satire of the era and to show connections to political situations today so it is relevant. We will continue watching tomorrow.
At the end of class, I reminded you that essays are due and novels need to be read. If you guys use the non homework nights to work on these other things, your grades will be what they want.

Wed. Oct, 15, 2014: Film/Note-taking

Today, you were given a copy of a Powerpoint that I found online and altered. This Powerpoint explained what Satire is. If you were not here, a copy is in your portfolio.
I also gave you an assignment sheet that you will fill in when we start viewing the film, Canadian Bacon, tomorrow. The film is dated, making the satire out of reach in some places, but there is a strong focus on stereotypes. I want you to fill in the first column as we view the film. We will work as a group each class for a brief amount of time to fill in the second columns.
On the back of this sheet, I want you to create summary notes. This means jotting down the 5ws and any questions/observations you come across. Remember: the goal is to watch and enjoy the film so you will not be putting everything down (just what is relevant).

Tues. Oct. 14, 2014: Note-taking

Today, we discussed the importance of learning how to actively and efficiently take notes. If you were not here, the notes are in your portfolio.

Thurs. Oct. 9, 2014: Novel Study

Today, you were to bring your independent novel to class. An assignment was placed in your portfolio for you to fill in so that I know where you are in this activity. It was to be handed in at the end of class. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio.
Also, if you missed the test or did not get your writing in, make arrangements/submissions ASAP as marks must be updated.

Wed. Oct. 8, 2014: Unit Exam

Today, you wrote your first unit exam. This was a timed exam. If you missed it, you will have to see me next week to arrange a make-up exam. Keep in mind that your "Anthem" editorial and revisions to your introductory paragraph are now past due.

Tues. Oct. 7, 2014: Test Prep

Today, I discussed the exam with you. Tomorrow's exam will be reading comprehension (multiple choice). You will be allowed a dictionary. I gave you a list of words you may want to familiarize yourself with in order to cut down on searching time. You will be marked on active reading, using process of elimination skills in your answers, and in getting the correct answer. If you do not attend tomorrow's exam, you will be provided with an alternate comprehension exam.

Mon. Oct. 6, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you were allowed to use class time to work on your editorial and paragraph revision. These were both due at the end of class. Tomorrow, we will work on test prep.

Fri. Oct.3, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you worked on your paragraph revision and your Editorial. See yesterday's Blog for due dates.

Thurs. Oct. m2, 2014: Writing Class

Today, you were given class time to work on your papers (paragraph revision and Editorial). These are both due on Monday, October 6. You also will have  a reading comprehension exam on Wednesday, October 8 (Multiple choice). In addition, I will be asking you to tell me about your progress reading your independent novel (Tuesday).

Wed. Oct. 1, 2014: Writing class

Today, you worked on creating your editorial. I have changed the due date to the end of class on Monday, October 6, as you also have an introductory paragraph revision to complete. I also met with some of you to discuss your progress (you all received an updated copy in your portfolio).