Why would Diedrich desire that everyone read this essay? He is looking forward to hearing your reactions on Monday, 24 February. (Girl Moved to Tears by Of Mice and Men Cliff Notes)


Diedrich also expects that EVERYONE has completed the reading of OMM by Monday, 24 February. NO EXCUSES!

A "Preview" of Coming Attractions:
Research and Synthesis Essay: Social Networking
We will "gradually" approach all the "tasks" that are indicated for your MAJOR project involving research and synthesis. (Mini-lessons will be presented for most of the requirements.) Surely, many of you will begin to read and or view the resources I have provided. If you have any questions, jot them down so that they can be presented in class on Monday, 24 February.


Resources to assist you with your "Mini-argumentative" Research Paper:
The Synthesis Essay: The Basics

The Synthesis Essay: Explaining the Sources


The Synthesis Essay: Planning and Pre-writing


The Synthesis Essay


The Synthesis Essay: PODCAST


The Synthesis Essay (power-point/video)

ATTENTION: I am particularly concerned that several students in the class do NOT contribute to the "collaboration" of answers when engaged in our cooperative learning activities. Amazingly, they simply "copy" down the answers generated by others expecting to receive the same grade even though these group "members" sat passively while others shared meaningful, insightful responses to what was being asked. Beginning with the Chapter 4 study guide/group activity, I began to take note of those who were NOT contributing for the purpose of determining a grade "appropriate" based on their lack of participation to the critical/analytical questions being asked. Even though groups have changed, the same individuals are NOT actively engaging in the "collaborative" process. In all actuality, BLAME can and should be placed on all group members for NOT encouraging those who are sitting passively to participate. (YOUR GRADE INDICATED ON JUPITER FOR CHAPTERS 2 AND 3 MAY NOT REFLECT WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED BASED UPON YOUR LACK OF PARICIPATION/EFFORT AND/OR "OFF-TASK' BEHAVIOR.) 

Schedule for Week of 10 February:


SAT Vocabulary QUIZ List 16 on Thursday, 13 February


Just a reminder: You must read Chapter 3 in OMM for Monday, 10 February. Recall that you were directed to do so on Friday, 7 February. You may or may NOT have to take a FIVE question QUIZ on this chapter.


NOTE: Rather than simply handing-in your Advertising Leaflet Assignment, I will ask students to "SHOWCASE" their work. I know that I will be "WOWED" by your work, I have yet to be disappointed.


Monday, 10 February: After the "Showcasing" of your assignment, you will continue to engage in the cooperative learning activity for Chapter 3 with your same group members. Later in the week, "new" groups will form-all with different class members.


Tuesday, 11 February: CLA for Chapter 3 continued...during our time together today, I will randomly ask groups to share their responses-with other groups having the opportunity to add their response to the question being discussed, everyone may not agree with the response being discussed-this is a "good" thing...


Wednesday, 12 February: Read Chapter 4 in preparation for today's  today's whole-class discussion.


Thursday, 13 February: SAT Vocabulary QUIZ List 16. Continued discussion of the novella...along with a "table-mate" activity. 

ATTENTION! Diedrich has finally revised the seating charts for the first-marking period of the Spring Semester. No "table-mates" will be sitting anywhere near each other. Under no circumstances will he make any changes as you walk into the classroom on Tuesday, 4 February. You had the opportunity to inform him of  on-going conflicts with any class members so that he would not make him/her your "table-mate".

A Photo Essay on the Great Depression

http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/photoessay.htm

 

Please Note: You will have an assignment related to one and/or a combination of these photos.
DUE DATE: TBA

 

You should review the content of this presentation for an upcoming unannounced quiz (probably on 10 February...).

Schedule for Week of 03 February 2014

SAT Vocabulary Quiz List 15 on Thursday, 06 February.

We will begin the semester reading- Of Mice and Men, supplemented with historical essays and articles for the time period of this text. I am looking forward to your enthusiasm as we discuss this classic.