The Pearl

Educational Rationale

I encourage my students to create their own meaning. I like to see what they think and then develop their understanding. This unit focuses on the learner centered environment. The best way to teach a short work like this is to teach it as one piece. I assigned it to be read in a week with a few quizzes to make sure it was being completed while I taught grammar. I also gave a few workdays in class once the complete work was due for students to work together in their groups. I have a detailed rubric, but it is in Clarisworks and won;t translate well into another format. If you would like the rubric, please email me. I will add it as a download as soon as possible.

The Pearl Presentation assignment

As you read The Pearl, be aware of some of the major themes in the novel. I will assign groups to investigate each of these and then present them to the class. You will be allotted a segment of each class to work together. Here are the general guidelines:

1. Use a standard lesson format:

a. Clearly define what you will be doing for the students with a copy for me

b. Plan interactive activities that will involve the students in the learning process

c. Find a way to assess what they have learned (quiz, presentation, etc..)

2. Use supplemental materials such as overheads, charts, markers, handouts, etc. The more audiovisuals, the better. If you need something, ask and I will try to make it available for you.

3. Thorough coverage of the topic assigned. Incorporate quotes, discussion of the themes in other contexts, and clear reflection on the importance of the theme in our lives.

4. Involve all the group members. Remember to review the effective speaking techniques we have discussed in class such as :

a. Make eye contact with speakers.

b. Speak clearly and slowly, don’t rush.

c. Clearly state your topic at the beginning and restate it at the end.

Themes:

Free will vs determinism

Social class

Oppresion

Man as a part of nature

Struggle for existence

Basic Lesson Design
(Title goes here)

Group members:

I. Objective:

This is the description of what the students will accomplish by the end of the lesson.

II. Materials

This is a list of all materials to be used. This includes texts, paper, etc. Try to be as creative as possible and have fun with this part!

III. Steps

This is a step by step outline of the instruction taking place. List each separate activity under a different number to make it easy for me to follow. Try to make each step "flow" to the next one.

IV. Assessment

This describes how you will check for understanding during the lesson. It may also occur at the end.

V. Closure

This is how you sum up the lesson. Try to make the students restate what they learned rather than repeating it for them. You already know (I hope) what you are teaching. Closure and assessment may be the same but they may also be separate.

Special Notes:

1. Please make a copy for each of you or give it to me to run off for you.

2. Please duplicate my style of listing the agenda on the board for the students to follow during your instructional time.

3. Be prepared to be evaluated by your peers on the effectiveness of the presentation. I will take their input in to account, but I will determine the final grade.

4. Instruction should run approximately 20- 25 minutes. As I have said several times before, I am not as concerned with the quantity as I am with the quality of your work.

5. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peer responses to Pearl presentations

Rate the effectiveness of the presentation on a scale from 1 to 5

Your name:

Group topic:

Group members:

Covers the topic ___

Clarity of presentation ___

Creative/Engaging ___

Variety of materials ___

Overall organization ___

Transition between leaders ___

General comments:

Send me email

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