Posting/Commenting Expectations

Each week (or two- these will vary) you will ...

 

1. Post multi-paragraph response to topics- length will vary some depending on topic) to one topic of interest in the news related to our units. Sometimes specific questions will be posed and other times you will create your own response (a general guide will be discussed in class, and is described below).

For those who need more structured guide:

• an introduction outlining the basic issues / ideas / context
• followed by 2-4 paragraphs discussing varied arguments (eg. for and against)
• paragraphing is defined by the topic (minimally you will have 2 body paragraphs)
• finally offering and explaining your opinion in a concluding paragraph

 and

 

2. Comment (constructively and with specific feedback)  to at least two of your peer's posts) These should be minimally a few sentences, but may be longer if you deem it necessary. The structure for your "constructive feedback sandwich" is to open with something positive, offer some constructive critique, and close with something positive - all of these must be clear and specific (examples help). These comments may be suggestions to help student writing structure and / or style become more clear or powerful OR offer ideas to support, question or refute the content. Yes, it is possible to offer this "constructive sandwich" of feedback to a peer even if you disagree with their opinion.

 

The learning intentions are to do all of the following in the authentic setting of the internet*:

•  to continue to develop our formal / academic writing skills in response to legal and ethical topics
• to be able to examine  and dissect different sides of an issue and then form an opinion.
• to learn to respond to peers in a constructive manner via comments
• specifically connected to the criteria laid out in class and on the assessment rubric
• learning to become more mindful of your authentic and public voice
• improve collaboration skills and integrate technology:  student participation, responsibility and accountability

If you do not post/comment in a timely manner,

then everyone in the group suffers

How will these be assessed for our grade?
It is part of your written response mark - can you look at varied issues, see varying positions and arguments, review and cite varied credible sources, and form an opinion ?  Can you do this appliying your knowledge of the law / legal terminology, ethical arguments, etc. in a clear and direct manner - support with examples, evidence, analogies,...

Can you offer constructive criticism- primarily addressing the application of the law / legal language, without offending, attacking, and by being clear and specific (examples again help)

 

Remember that this blog is for educational purposes - it is not your social blog so appropriate language and expectations for school / educational communications apply.  We are a public blog so you may have other readers respond to your work. You may also be sharing this with your parents later in the semester as part of your participation and to showcase the development of your skills in argumentation through writing.