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"Let's Debate!" |ELA-Writing W.1 | 6th - 8th Grade

Class
Ms. McDonald | Innovative Minds Academy
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(1)
A dynamic class designed to empower middle and high school students with the essential skills of persuasive writing and argumentation.

Class experience

US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
8 lessons//8 Weeks
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Introduction to Persuasive Writing
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Research and Evidence Gathering Techniques
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Incorporating Counterarguments
 Week 5
Lesson 5
The Power of Rhetorical Devices
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Constructing Sound Arguments
 Week 7
Lesson 7
: Identifying Logical Fallacies
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Final Project Presentation and Debate Showcase
Homework Offered
Yes, homework assignments will be an integral part of the "Debate Dynamo" class experience. These assignments serve several purposes: 1. **Reinforcing Learning: ** Homework assignments provide opportunities for students to apply and reinforce the concepts, skills, and techniques learned during class sessions. 2. **Practice and Skill Development: ** Completing homework tasks allows students to practice persuasive writing, argumentation, research, and critical thinking skills independently. 3. **Feedback and Improvement: ** Homework assignments enable the instructor to assess students' understanding and progress, providing valuable feedback for improvement. 4. **Preparation for Class Activities: ** Some homework assignments may involve pre-reading, research, or brainstorming activities to prepare students for in-class discussions, exercises, or projects. 5. **Integration of Learning: ** Homework assignments may prompt students to integrate knowledge and skills from multiple class sessions, fostering deeper understanding and application of course content. The frequency and nature of homework assignments will vary depending on the length and structure of the class. Students can expect a mix of writing tasks, research activities, reflection exercises, and preparation for upcoming discussions or debates. Clear instructions and expectations will be provided for each assignment, and students will have opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification as needed. Overall, homework assignments are designed to complement in-class learning and support students' growth and development as persuasive writers and critical thinkers.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Yes, assessments, tests, and quizzes will be included as part of the "Debate Dynamo" class to evaluate students' understanding and mastery of the course material. These assessments serve several important purposes: 1. **Progress Monitoring:** Assessments provide the instructor with insight into students' progress and comprehension of key concepts, allowing for timely intervention and support as needed. 2. **Feedback for Improvement:** Assessments offer students feedback on their performance, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. This feedback helps students identify areas where they may need to focus additional study or practice. 3. **Accountability:** Assessments promote accountability by encouraging students to stay engaged with the course material and complete assignments in a timely manner. 4. **Learning Reinforcement:** Assessments help reinforce learning by requiring students to recall and apply course content in new contexts, solidifying their understanding and retention of the material. Assessments may take various forms, including: - Written assignments or essays - Quizzes on specific topics or concepts - Tests covering multiple units or sections of the course - Presentations or debates showcasing students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios The frequency and format of assessments will be determined based on the length and structure of the class, with the goal of providing a balanced and effective means of evaluating student progress. Clear instructions and expectations will be provided for each assessment, and students will have opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification as needed. Overall, assessments are designed to support students' learning and growth throughout the course.
Grades Offered
Yes, "Debate Dynamo" will offer grading options and recognition for students' achievements in the class. These may include: 1. **Letter Grades:** Students may receive letter grades based on their performance in various assessments, assignments, and participation in class activities. Grades may be determined using a combination of factors such as homework completion, quiz and test scores, participation in discussions and debates, and the quality of written assignments. 2. **Certificate of Completion:** Upon successfully completing the course requirements, students may receive a certificate of completion. This certificate acknowledges their participation in and mastery of the course material, providing formal recognition of their achievement. 3. **Feedback and Evaluation:** In addition to grades and certificates, students will receive personalized feedback and evaluation from the instructor throughout the course. This feedback may include comments on assignments, assessments, and participation, as well as suggestions for improvement and areas of strength. The grading system and criteria for earning a certificate of completion will be clearly outlined in the course syllabus or guidelines provided to students at the beginning of the class. The goal is to ensure transparency and fairness in the evaluation process while motivating students to actively engage with the course material and strive for excellence.
**Learner Supply List:**

1. **Writing Materials:** Students will need access to writing materials such as pens, pencils, notebooks, or a computer/tablet for taking notes and completing assignments.

2. **Internet Access:** Reliable internet access will be necessary for accessing course materials, participating in online discussions or activities, and submitting assignments electronically if applicable.

3. **Textbooks or Reading Materials:** While the course will primarily provide resources and materials online, students may be required to access specific textbooks, articles, or reading materials. These may be available through the school library, online databases, or as recommended readings provided by the instructor.

4. **Research Tools:** Students may need access to research tools such as online databases, academic journals, or library resources for gathering information and evidence to support their writing assignments.

5. **Presentation Materials (Optional):** For the final project presentation and debate showcase, students may need access to presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) if they choose to create visual aids or slides to accompany their presentations.

6. **Optional: Printer and Printer Paper:** If students prefer to work with hard copies of materials or need to print out assignments, having access to a printer and printer paper may be helpful.

7. **Course Materials:** The instructor will provide course materials, including lecture notes, handouts, and additional resources, through the online learning platform or via email. These materials will supplement the class sessions and support students' learning throughout the course.

Overall, the required supplies for "Debate Dynamo" are minimal and commonly found in most households or readily accessible through school resources.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Parental Guidance Statement:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In today's digital age, education technology plays a significant role in shaping how our children learn and engage with their studies. As part of our commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience, we utilize various third-party tools, including Canvas, Nearpod, and Kahoot, to enhance learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. We understand that you may have questions or concerns about these tools, so we've provided this guidance to help you better understand their purpose and how they are used in your child's education.

1. **Canvas**: Canvas is a learning management system that allows students to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with teachers, and participate in discussions. It provides a centralized platform for organizing and managing educational resources, assignments, and grades. Through Canvas, students can engage with multimedia content, collaborate with their peers, and receive timely feedback from their teachers. Parents can also create observer accounts to monitor their child's progress and stay informed about upcoming assignments and announcements.

2. **Nearpod**: Nearpod is an interactive presentation and assessment tool that enables teachers to create engaging multimedia lessons and deliver them directly to students' devices. With Nearpod, teachers can incorporate interactive activities such as polls, quizzes, virtual reality experiences, and collaborative discussions to enhance student participation and understanding. Parents may see their child using Nearpod to complete assignments, participate in class discussions, or review lesson materials at home. Nearpod provides valuable insights into student engagement and comprehension, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs.

3. **Kahoot**: Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that transforms traditional quizzes and assessments into interactive, competitive activities. Teachers can create custom quizzes or choose from a library of pre-made games covering various subjects and topics. Students compete against their classmates to answer questions correctly and earn points, fostering a fun and engaging learning environment. Kahoot encourages active participation, critical thinking, and teamwork, making learning enjoyable and memorable for students. Parents may notice their child using Kahoot to review concepts, reinforce learning, or assess their understanding of course material.

While these tools offer many benefits for enhancing student learning and engagement, we understand the importance of ensuring their safe and responsible use. We take privacy and security seriously and adhere to strict guidelines to protect students' personal information and online safety. Our teachers receive training on how to effectively integrate these tools into their instruction while promoting responsible digital citizenship among students.

As parents/guardians, we encourage you to stay involved in your child's educational journey by asking questions, exploring these tools together, and staying informed about how they are being used in the classroom. We welcome open communication and feedback to ensure that we continue to provide a positive and enriching learning experience for all students.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in education.

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(1)
Profile
Greetings Families! 
 I’m  Dr. Tiffany McDonald, Ed.D, Certified Education Specialist at TEACH Inc. As a 7 year Educator with 20 years in Education, I’m   READY to help you TEACH ‘Beyond the Classroom’. As a scholar in my class, parents and... 
Group Class

$10

for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
105 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
10-15 learners per class

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