Why Didn't I Think of This Earlier?

In College Comp II my students need to write a persuasive research based paper. I was thinking about how to go about doing this - and one of the best ways (I've discovered) is NOT to use our textbook (I swear a textbook - for the most part - can make a kid hate anything. After I started looking at the chapter on writing persuasively, they had the concept so damned dissected and sophisticated that it certainly didn't make me want to write a single sentence - well, other than to complain about it).

So I just began thinking about persuasive topics and what we could write about and how we could go about writing it and then it popped into my head: put them into groups or teams. Better yet, put them into specifically designed groups. By that I mean pair them up by which students won't work well together or which student will have beliefs that will totally clash.

I had it all planned out.

Then I ran it by my class and they looked horrified. Worst idea EVER they all responded.

I just think that is because they'd be out of their little comfort zones I've created for them. I think it's because they'd really be challenged and have to work with someone who isn't their friend or who just doesn't reflect back what they believe or want to hear.

How awesome would this be to watch? Kind of like a WWE steel cage death match.

I could invite other teachers in to observe . . . it would be great.

But being the softy I am, I relented. I let them work in groups of their own choosing.

Now, that means I only have to grade a fraction of the papers I normally would. Brilliant! Plus, they are working in teams. Awesome.

Then it hit me - I have a few - for whatever reason - may not find a group. I conceded to those who might not have a group or fit well, that I'd be their partner. So far I'm helping write three persuasive papers!

Still, helping to write three papers is a breeze!

Should be interesting.