English I Tips
- Class feedback on Thesis: this two day exercise involves students generating ideas for, writing, and then getting feedback on thesis statements.
- Annotating and note taking: checking the student’s notes.
- In class peer review: sample questions 1; sample questions 2.
Instead of working in groups, it might be better for students to
work on these individually: less socializing and more time on task.
An important question to ask before
they've received the comments from their peer but after they have read two student
essays is "Given what you've read, what would you like to revise in
your own essay?" This fosters a metacognitive approach to
writing, helping them see the qualities that help an essay work -- and
those that don't -- and to begin internalizing them.
- Conferencing
Remember
that you can use class time to devote to individual conferences.
Many faculty set up a conference week to give individual feedback
on essays. Set up ten minute conference times, provide in-class
work for other students, and in two class periods you can work through
a class.