"Diagramming the Argument" Activity

Abstract

This activity fosters active learning and peer collaboration by asking students to diagram the argument of a text, using a set of instructor-provided concepts. This example relates to a book taught in an Urban Poverty course (Both Hands Tied: Welfare Reform and the Race to the Bottom of the Low-Wage Labor Market), although the activity can be easily...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Urban Sociology

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 300

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This activity fosters active learning and peer collaboration by asking students to diagram the argument of a text, using a set of instructor-provided concepts drawn from that text. This example relates to a book taught in an Urban Poverty course (Both Hands Tied: Welfare Reform and the Race to the Bottom of the Low-Wage Labor Market by Jane Collins and...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will formulate and articulate their understanding of the argument of the text.
2. Students will draw upon the empirical details of the book to support their explanation/vision of its overall argument.
3. Students will collaborate with each other and engage in collective problem-solving.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will be asked to explain their diagrams to the class, enabling easy assessment of students' understanding of the book’s core concepts and overall argument.
2. Since the words selected include core theoretical concepts and empirical details, the instructor can assess the students’ ability to draw upon those empirical details to support their explanation/vision of its overall argument.
3. By circulating around the room and observing each of the groups in action, the instructor will be able to assess students’ level of participation, collaboration and collective problem-solving.