Student Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=pjWzlUP1u5ck3lmI2hiDBw_3d_3d

Also...

Make sure you have everything spelled correctly (and used correctly, as well) before you put it on the big screen...and if you are using graphs, make sure they are labeled. :)

GRADES

If you have not returned your America on Trial average score and reflection, you must do so by Thursday...else, I will be putting in a ZERO in the gradebook.

Rockin' in the USA Rubric

performance music rubric - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: performance music rubric

Barking Abbey Pen Pals :)

So...the London school who helped us for the "trial," Barking Abbey, has created a blog where their students can connect with some of our students. Please take the time to read through their two posts (so far) and respond in their comments. Obviously, remember that this is an academic inquiry, thus prompting a professional response. Have fun! Make a friend! :)

http://babbeyhth.blogspot.com/

TPOL Rubric - click to see full screen

TPOL Rubric - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: TPOL Rubric

America on Trial Rubric continued...

Sorry, it didn't show the whole rubric in one screen! Good luck tomorrow! :) 4

Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.

Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration. Four very strong arguments were made.

Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.

Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.

Student had strong evidence to support every argument.

Student had very well developed counterarguments, and answered all questions showing thorough knowledge of the subject.

Works very well with others. Assumes a clear role in decision making and responsibilities.

Total Points:

F= 0-18

America on Trial Rubric

America on Trial Rubric

	Presentation Rubric
	1	2	3	4	Total
Organization	Audience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information.	Audience has difficulty following presentation because student jumps around.	Student presents information in logical sequence which audience can follow.	Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.
Subject Knowledge (4 strong arguments must be made)	Student does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject. Only one vague argument was made.	Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions, but fails to elaborate. Two or three not very strong arguments were made.	Student is at ease and answers most questions with explanations and some elaboration. Three or more relatively strong arguments were made.	Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration. Four very strong arguments were made.
Eye Contact	Student makes no eye contact and only reads from notes.	Student occasionally uses eye contact, but still reads mostly from notes.	Student maintains eye contact most of the time but frequently returns to notes.	Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.
Verbal Techniques	Student mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms, and speaks too quietly for audience to hear.	Student's voice is low. Student incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation.	Student's voice is clear. Student pronounces most words correctly. Most audience members can hear presentation.	Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.
Strength of Evidence	Student had very little or no evidence to support their evidence.	Student made effort to support with adequate evidence.	Student used evidence to support every argument.	Student had strong evidence to support every argument.
Q/A	Was not able to field questions.	Made an attempt to answer questions, but answered questions weakly. Did not have developed counterarguments.	Student had developed counterarguments and answered questions adequately.	Student had very well developed counterarguments, and answered all questions showing thorough knowledge of the subject.
Mechanics (3-5 minutes, no more or less)	Cannot work with others in most situations. Cannot share decisions or responsibilities.	Works with others, but has difficulty sharing decisions and responsibilities.	Works well with others. Takes part in most decisions and shares in the responsibilities.	Works very well with others. Assumes a clear role in decision making and responsibilities.
				Total Points:
A= 26-28	B= 24-25	C= 21-23	D= 19-20	F= 0-18

Rockin' in the USA...

Who: You.
What: Rockin' in the USA
Where: TBD
When: June 11/12
Why: Because music rocks, son AND to learn about American history through the lens of the American Musical Tradition.

Requirements

Pregame:
Choose one of the following music genres that had a significant impact on American history, including modern history:

1. jazz
2. blues
3. musical theatre
4. pop music (focus: 50's/60's)
5. reggae/ska
6. electronic
7. country western
8. rock
9. hip hop/rap
10. salsa/latin
    

It will be first come, first serve...so make a quick informed decision (and obviously, you have to let ME know!)

Various assignments:

1. vocals
2. percussionist
3. bass
4. keys
5. guitar
6. lyricist
7. horns
8. strings
   

Preparation:
Once you have chosen your genre (and group members), you will need to conduct research on how it was significant to our American history, as well as its evolution...not only will you need to discuss its context in our history, but also what the musical characteristics of the genre are (what makes it jazz/blues/etc.)

Presentation:

1. Introduction of genre
• historical context
• musical characteristics
• songwriting process (any stories about why the song was written, why you chose the cover you did, the relation between the two, the significance of either song to you or the members of your group, challenges, highlights, etc)
  
2. Perform a cover song in your genre's style
   
3. Perform an original composition in your genre's style
   

Where: TBD
Due date: Tentatively, June 11/12

Blogger Error

For some reason, it seems as though you can not read a portion of the trial requirements... However, it's a magic trick! :)

The text is all there...you just need to highlight the text that isn't showing, and it will show up.

Good luck! :)

Elika

Trial Requirements

Who: You.
What: America on Trial
Where: Our very own Model United Nations Conference Room
When: Wednesday, June 4th (and tentatively, June 5th, if necessary)
Why: Keep reading below

America on Trial

Length: 3-5 minutes (no more, or less)

Content/Organization: anything you need for this is within your research (historical essay and persuasive outline)

• The introduction is a road map.
  
• Your introduction should include whether you are defending or indicting America, and WHY - be specific.
  
• You are going to tell the panel what they will be hearing, in a broader sense, during the rest of your presentation. Look at it as a five paragraph essay with potentially more paragraphs.
• Minimum of four (4) arguments should be in the body of your presentation.
  
• You only want to use your strongest arguments. Using a weak argument will only open the door for potential questions about your case.
• If you can find a strong hook (not cheesy or forced) to start your arguments, your case will be better remembered, and your arguments will stand out more. Remember, there are 24(ish) other arguments the panel has to hear. Why would they remember yours?? Being clear and concise, and potentially having a strong hook is KEY.
  
• The body of the presentation should give evidentiary and in depth arguments as to why you are indicting or defending America. Rely on your critical thinking skills to develop these arguments. You want to delve deeply into each of the arguments presented in the introduction.
• The conclusion should wrap up the presentation. Therefore, reiterate your strongest points, and why you are indicting/defending America.
  
• Pretty much: First , "We tell 'em what we're gonna tell 'em; Second, "We tell 'em;" Finally, "We tell 'em what we told 'em."
  
• After you plead your case, be prepared to answer questions:
• clarifying questions
  
• evidentiary questions
• suppositional (hypothetical) questions
• etc. (any other challenging questions)
• Keep in mind your weakest arguments, and challenges that could be made to your position.
  
• Be prepared to hear the counter arguments.
  
• Predict what may be asked/argued against you.

Purpose/Goal: To persuade the panel that America has failed or succeeded with regard the issue you are discussing.