Entry 8.29

1)  What are we going to do over the next week that contributes to our PLC learning topic?

Investigate methods for dissecting questions, so students know what they are answering before they begin writing. **Possibly using the highlighting functions of word.

Increase student vocabulary, so they can increase comprehension and thereby have a better foundation to write from.** Possibly using dictionary shortcuts when reading material online.

Look for ways to use technology for pre-writing: see if Inspiration can be put on student computers, look for a software similar to "Dragonfly" that allows speech to text on the regular laptops.

2)  How does this contribute to student learning?

Students cannot write about that which they do not know or understand, so by equipping them with the skills and resources to figure out difficult passages or questions we will help them prepare for the writing process.  The use of software such as Inspiration and Dragonfly will make the writing process more accessible for students who possess stronger visual or auditory skills.

3)  How will the impact of this week’s work be measured?

Emphasis will be on "Ideas & Content" to make sure students are actually answering the prompt or question and not writing random, irrelevant information.  We will also be looking for connections to the text that indicate a basic understanding of the ideas presented.