"Debate 'N' Discuss: Current Issues Unplugged!"

High School Grade Project 2 weeks

"Debate 'N' Discuss: Current Issues Unplugged!"

EDirico

11-12SL1

11-12W1

11-12SL1

11-12W1

11-12W5

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in critical analysis and discussion of current social issues, fostering their ability to construct and articulate well-reasoned arguments. Through collaborative workshops and community interactions, students will refine their argumentative writing skills, drawing on diverse perspectives and real-world feedback. This project aims to enhance students' understanding of media literacy and argumentation, preparing them for the ELA Regents exam and active civic participation.

Learning goals

Students will critically analyze current social issues by engaging with diverse informational texts, constructing well-supported claims, and articulating their perspectives through argumentative writing and discussions. They will enhance their communication skills by participating in collaborative workshops and community panel discussions, where they will present their arguments and refine their ideas based on peer and audience feedback. Through this project, students will develop the ability to evaluate media arguments, draw evidence from texts, and effectively express their analysis in both written and spoken formats.

Standards

11-12SL1 - Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on complex topics, texts, and issues; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
11-12W1 - Write arguments to support claims that analyze substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
11-12SL1 - Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on complex topics, texts, and issues; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
11-12W1 - Write arguments to support claims that analyze substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
11-12W5 - Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 11/12 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively develop essay topics, draft argumentative essays, and participate in peer feedback workshops. By the end of the learning experience, students will produce a polished argumentative essay on a current social issue. They will also present their essays at a community panel discussion, engaging in a Q&A session to further articulate and refine their arguments.

Launch

Begin with a dynamic 'Current Events Roundtable' where students bring in and share news articles on pressing social issues. Facilitate a discussion that encourages students to express their perspectives and collaboratively brainstorm potential essay topics. This launch activity sets the stage for critical engagement with media and fosters a collaborative environment for the project.

Exhibition

Students will organize and host a community panel discussion, presenting their argumentative essays on current social issues. During the event, they will engage in a dynamic Q&A session with the audience, allowing them to articulate and defend their positions. This public forum will provide a platform for students to showcase their critical thinking and communication skills, while also receiving real-time feedback to further refine their arguments.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Current Events Roundtable - Students bring in recent news articles on current social issues. Facilitate a discussion where students express their perspectives on the articles, asking critical questions and identifying underlying arguments.	Activity 2: Topic Selection and Group Formation - Students collaboratively brainstorm potential essay topics based on the discussions from the roundtable. Form small groups based on common interests in specific topics.	Activity 3: Research and Evidence Gathering - Each group researches their selected topic, identifying key arguments, and gathering evidence from various informational texts. Students should evaluate sources for credibility and relevance.	Activity 4: Thesis Development - Groups work together to draft a clear and concise thesis statement for their argumentative essay. They will ensure it is supported by evidence they have gathered.	Activity 5: Outline Creation and Peer Review - Students individually create an essay outline that includes their thesis, main arguments, and supporting evidence. Groups then exchange outlines for peer review, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A list of potential essay topics generated from the Current Events Roundtable. 2. Deliverable 2: A group-selected essay topic with a preliminary thesis statement. 3. Deliverable 3: A research packet containing gathered evidence and source evaluations. 4. Deliverable 4: An individual essay outline with peer feedback included.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Collect and provide a variety of recent news articles on current social issues for students to use as references. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a guide on evaluating sources for credibility and relevance, including a checklist or rubric. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange digital or physical resources (e.g., library access, online databases) for students to conduct their research. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop peer review guidelines to facilitate constructive feedback sessions. 5. Prep Task 5: Ensure access to collaborative tools (e.g., shared documents, discussion boards) for group work and communication.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Drafting the Argumentative Essay - Students use their outlines and peer feedback to write a complete draft of their argumentative essay, ensuring they articulate their thesis and support claims with evidence.	Activity 2: Peer Feedback Workshop - Students exchange essay drafts in groups, providing and receiving constructive feedback focused on clarity, argument strength, and evidence use. Encourage revisions based on feedback.	Activity 3: Essay Revision and Editing - Students revise their drafts using peer feedback. Focus on improving argument structure, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.	Activity 4: Presentation Preparation - Students prepare to present their essays at the community panel discussion. Practice articulating their arguments and anticipating potential audience questions.	Activity 5: Community Panel Discussion - Host the event where students present their essays, engage in a Q&A session, and receive real-time feedback to further refine their arguments.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A complete first draft of the argumentative essay. 2. Deliverable 2: A revised and polished final version of the argumentative essay. 3. Deliverable 3: A presentation outline for the community panel discussion.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Organize a structure and guidelines for the peer feedback workshop to ensure focused and constructive feedback. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange for a venue and necessary logistics for the community panel discussion, including audience invitations. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide resources or templates for students to use in preparing their presentation outlines. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate with students to ensure all necessary technology and materials are available for the panel discussion. 5. Prep Task 5: Develop a feedback form for audience members to provide structured and meaningful feedback during the panel discussion.