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RAIDsGet the current RAID questions HERE Read-And-Initiate-DiscussionWhat Are They?RAIDs are opportunities for students to participate in small discussion groups during mentor session. The activity is meant to provide students with experience speaking before a small group in preparation for larger group presentations. It is also a venue for students to listen to one another’s ideas and to engage in critical dialogue. Another purpose of the RAIDs is to encourage students to keep up with the readings. A final purpose is to give you regular practice with writing and MLA formatting. Generally, three to five RAID questions will be posted on Fridays, due for mentor class discussion the following week. How Do They Work?Read Critically: Read the questions before tackling the reading so that you have a sense of what you are looking for. In many cases, there will be no one “right” answer. However, in no case will your unsubstantiated opinion suffice as a substitute for informed reflection on the actual reading. As you are reading, either jot down notes or lightly pencil (or highlight) in the reading material. Be sure to include material from the lecture guide and class. You will be turning this discussion sheet in for grading, as well. Therefore, you need to follow MLA format and use the writing checklist at www.marthabianco.com/Courses/Cities/checklist.htm. Bring the discussion sheet to mentor session when it is due. Practice: Because one purpose of the RAIDs is to give you experience in making presentations, you should practice presenting your responses and commenting about them. Time yourself. You may have only two or three minutes in which to present your response as a leader (even though you may be given five questions, you will be randomly selected to lead the discussion on just one of the questions). Since you will be graded heavily on this presentation, it is crucial that you take whatever steps you can to prepare both the delivery of the response and the substance. Please note that “I agree with the author and think this is pretty interesting” will not count as an actual response. Even if you are not chosen to lead a RAID question, you will be expected to participate in discussion and you will be asked to turn in your discussion sheet. Students may be called on to lead a RAID more than once, so just because you’ve already had a turn does not mean you are off the hook for the rest of the term. The process of student selection will truly be random. What Happens in Class?During a RAID session, this is what will happen:
It might not seem like this now, but this activity should actually be fun. Think of it as a party game…. (yeah, right) Don’t worry: We know you might be nervous and unsure about what to do in the beginning. You’ll be guided through this gently and graded generously during the first few times. The first session is practice only! Relax and enjoy. And remember: The RAID discussions help form the foundation of your other work in the class (SECRETs, term papers, exams, etc.), so they serve the additional purpose of helping you understand the material from several perspectives. I need help with this assignment! © 2006-2008, Martha J. Bianco, Ph.D. |
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