Critical Thinking (Writing an argument)

Short Task Description Type of Task Time Level Size of Class Learning Outcomes Writing an argument In-class or tutorial activity (probably best for tutorial activity) One hour Introductory Works best with groups less than 35 Students should be able to: Write a quality argument that is organised, structured and clearly expressed. Evaluate an argument for its quality, organisation and clarity. Prepare sets of cards with controversial statements about a topic. If you have 30 students and 6 topics then make 5 cards for each topic. Put them in a hat and have the students pull one statement out of the hat. They are then asked to develop a piece of writing presenting their point of view on the issue. They should provide the most convincing arguments. They may argue for or against the statement. Criteria for judging will be: - Quality of ideas and opinions regardless of the position that they take; - How well their argument is structured and organised; and - How clearly and fluently their views are expressed. Five statements are provided in the example can be replaced with appropriate statements for the discipline being studied. After about 8 minutes, students are formed into groups that have

Method

chosen the same statement to write about. They must develop a common answer using their individual answers. This answer should be put up on butcher paper (or maybe on an electronic bulletin board.) (20 minutes) Students are then provided with a marking sheet and asked to evaluate the other groups arguments according to the criteria. Lecturers also evaluate. (15 minutes) Concluding Activity Assessment Tips Student and lecturers evaluations are consolidated and students are provided with feedback on the arguments and on their evaluations. Assessment Sheet provided below could grade students on their written argument and on their evaluation. Put each different statement on a different colour to make sorting the students easier. It will probably work best if some theory on good and poor arguments are presented first. Write a quality argument that is organized, structured and clearly expressed. 1. INDIVIDUALLY (8 minutes) Pick a statement from the hat and develop a piece of writing presenting your point of view on the issues. You may argue for or against the statement. Your response will be judged on: the quality of your ideas and opinions, regardless of the position you take; how well your argument is organised and structured; and how clearly and fluently your views are expressed. 2. GROUP ACTIVITY (20 minutes) Form groups with the students who have written about the same comment as you. Introduce yourselves to one another and ensure that you know each others names. Choose a name for your group. Consider what each person has written. Now construct a group argument using the same criteria as before. Ensure that you include ideas from each person in your group. Write your group name and your argument down on butchers paper and use the blue tack to put it up on the wall.

Student Instructions

Hand in your individual answers to the lecturer. 3. INDIVIDUALLY (15 minutes) Go to each groups answer and evaluate their answer according to the criteria. (As you do the evaluation think about what you used in evaluating each criterion this will be useful for the next exercise.) When you are finished hand in the form to your lecturer. The lecturers will do a similar evaluation. Any additional materials Attach any additional materials in the most appropriate format.

CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE MEDIA (Adapted from ACER, 2003, p.17) COMMENT A The media is the watchdog of society, bringing into the open things that many people would prefer to remain secret. COMMENT B News is more often than not created by the media rather than simply reported by it. . COMMENT C The media is just the modern form of the age old need to inquire after, listen to and pass on information. .

COMMENT D The pervasive influence of the media has meant that people are no longer able to genuinely think for themselves; they just repeat whatever theyve read in the paper or heard on television or radio.

COMMENT E The media is all about selling advertising so the end justifies the means.

ACER (2003). Graduate Skills Assessment Sample Questions. Available from URL: http://www.acer.edu.au/documents/GSA_SampleQuestions.pdf

REVIEW SHEET NAME OF REVIEWER:......................................................... GROUP NAME GROUP NAME Mark Quality of ideas and opinions Structure and organisation of argument How clearly and fluently views are expressed TOTAL COMMENTS: Total 10 5 5 20 20 Mark Total 10 5 5

Quality of ideas and opinions Structure and organisation of argument How clearly and fluently views are expressed TOTAL COMMENTS:

GROUP NAME Mark Total 10 5 5 20 TOTAL COMMENTS:

GROUP NAME Mark Quality of ideas and opinions Structure and organisation of argument How clearly and fluently views are expressed Total 10 5 5 20

Quality of ideas and opinions Structure and organisation of argument How clearly and fluently views are expressed TOTAL COMMENTS: