Hello colleagues, These days I'm thinking a lot about how to embed activities in my instruction that require students to think critically. I also want students to collaborate in meaningful ways. One activity that I'm trying to include often is sequencing. So, for instance, we use an audio or printed text that is relevant to our theme, e.g., work. Students listen to and read the text and do a variety of activities with the text until they are thoroughly familiar with it.
At this point, I create a sequencing activity with the main events in the text in a mixed up order. Each pair of students receives one handout and must collaborate to figure out what happens first, second, third, etc. It helps if there is a bit of ambiguity since this requires more critical thinking as well as more negotiation between the students. However, including too much ambiguity may prove frustrating to students.
See below for an example of a sequencing activity I used with a high beginning class this summer. The story, "License, please," comes from Reading Skills for Today's Adults. If you read the story, you will notice that the sequencing activity includes some ambiguity. I have been amazed at how much language students use while completing activities such as this.
Have you used similar activities in your class? How have they worked for you? What other ideas can you share that engage students in meaningful negotiation and critical thinking? It would be great to see numerous examples.
Work with a partner to put the story in order.
______ Dave finishes work.
______ Dave says he will not forget his driver’s license in the future.
______ Dave forgets his driver’s license at home.
______ Dave goes to work.
______ Dave pays a fine of $102.
______ A police officer stops Dave.
______ Dave’s headlight stops working.
______ The police officer gives Dave a ticket.
______ Dave sees red flashing lights.
______ Dave looks for his driver’s license.
______ Dave says he will not forget his driver’s license in the future.
Cheers, Susan Finn Miller
Moderator, AELL CoP