Collaborative Classroom - Discussions

Classroom discussions are as tried and true as any classroom practice. Additionally, by giving students the opportunity to write/type their response to discussions and share them with their peers, they become not only accountable for knowing the material, but engaged in critical thinking as they examine their knowledge or opinion of the topic from different points of view.

To this end,  I recently came across the Collaborize Classroom site, designed for grades 1-12.  This resource allows you to engage your students in collaborative discussions. You can set up your own website; students then go to your newly created URL and become part of your online collaborative classroom. However - isn't this exactly what our Schoology Discussions and Google Classroom allows us to do? Sure is.  So--here's a bit of a hack to this concept. Go to the Library area and you can dig into questions by subject or grade level. Here you'll find thought provoking questions you can post to your Schoology Discussions board, Google Classroom, or for lower grades, simply have an oral group discussion (an example from the site is below). The site encourages you to sign up with a classroom roster, but you can certainly peruse their Library for topic ideas.

Relatedly, here's an interesting read from Edutopia regarding whole class discussions with concepts, steps, and a li'l quiz to gauge your understanding of concepts.

The Most Dangerous Game Discussion

Think about it:

In our selection, Rainsford and General Zaroff believe it is hunting, both humans and animals that is the most dangerous game. But, in our society what is the most dangerous game we, as humans, play? We play a lot of different games. We play sports (football, hockey). We have wars, date, and try to meet new people. Think about the “game” in our society that can burn us the most?

Instructions:

What is the most dangerous “game” in our society? In the reply box below describe the “game” that you believe is the most dangerous in society and convince our group of your position. Once you have posted your response, read and reply thoughtfully to at least 2 other members of the class. Compliment strong additions to the list, ask questions, and build on ideas shared.

Remember:

This is meant to be a persuasive. You are to make me believe that your “game” is the worst we as a human race come in contact with.