Thursday, September 9, 2010

WICR Wednesday 9/8/2010

Our second installment of the WICR Wednesday lesson.
This one was sent by our great AVID and English teacher on our faculty.  :)

WICR Wednesday Challenge #2:

Last week we introduced WICR and explained that the "AVID philosophy involves integrating the four WICR elements into every classroom on a routine basis since they encompass four crucial skill areas for college-bound students."

Each week we want to share a strategy that we use in both our AVID elective classrooms and our academic classrooms. These strategies are not "AVID" strategies. They are simply best teaching practices that students say help facilitate their learning.

Philosophical Chairs
Philosophical Chairs is a strategy that both my AVID kids and my English III kids love. It encompasses all four of the WICR elements. Attached is a detailed power point explaining the process.

Basically, a teacher would use this strategy to foster a group discussion in an orderly fashion.

The W or writing takes place before and after the discussion. I have kids write their opinion or answer to the question down before we start and then reflect on how their opinion has changed based on what they heard.

The I or inquiry and the C or collaboration happens during the actual discussion. Students can ask questions, defend their ideas, and discuss in a structured manner.

The R or reading should happen first. They need to have read an article, part of a novel, or passage before they come to class so that they have an opinion to share. I have attached an article that our district director shared with us that I have used in my AVID elective class concerning sagging pants. The kids really seemed to enjoy it. Join the challenge and try a Philosophical Chairs lesson with your students!!

If you have any questions, please see any site team member or any teacher on campus that has attended a Write Path training session. Philosophical chairs is covered in almost all of the disciplines. We do have Path training coming up in September. If you are interested, please let a site team member know.

AVID HISTORY PATH:  Philosophical Chairs PPT


Saggin Pants Article


Using Philosophical Chairs

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