Directions:
- You will be required to write a short 150 word minimum response every time we read a new text. These must be posted to our openlab site before the beginning of the class for which the reading is due.
- Note: As a final step, you should make sure to categorize your blog post before publishing.
Your response should do the following:
- Identify a significant moment in the text and summarize it in one or two sentences.
- Explain why you picked this moment. In other words why is the moment significant? Why did it stand out for you?
- How does this moment add to the meaning of the text?
Some reasons a moment might be significant are:
- It helps you better understand the author’s point. If this is the case, explain what it helps you understand, how it relates to the author’s point, and why it is central to the reading.
- It reminds you of something else you have read, seen, or learned. If this is the case, tell about what it reminds you of, how it is similar, how it is different, and what the connection between the two things helps you understand.
- It raises a question or questions for you. If this is the case, say what question/questions it raises for you. Then try to answer your own question or explain how this question challenges or expands on an idea in the reading.
Note: These are just some possible reasons a moment might be significant for you. You can certainly pick a moment for other reasons and I encourage you to do so. But regardless of why you select a moment, you must go beyond a superficial reason for picking those sentences and write a developed response that engages with the text. Notice how the examples above list several questions you might answer about why you pick a moment.
How is the response graded?
Response blogs are NOT graded based on the accuracy of your understanding of the text, or on your grammar and writing style. They are graded based on the thoroughness of your analysis. The individual responses and comments will not be graded with letters, but with a point system. You can get a maximum of three points and will receive a zero if you fail to post.
- 1 point: The student did not thoughtfully or analytically discuss the text. The student may have also posted an underdeveloped or superficial entry.
- 2 points: The student submitted a well developed entry that thoughtfully analyzes and responds to the text.
- 3 points: The student’s discussion of the text is analytical, thoughtful, thorough, and insightful.
