MAILING LISTS

I don't know enough about the topic to recognize the correct answers. I like
the structure of the question, though. It seems to call for higher order
thinking.

Perhaps you shouldn't have the goal of convincing all the students that your
answer is the right one. Instead you might consider this an opportunity to
help the class articulate what the issues are, what the criteria are for
deciding on "best symbols or exemplifications of human evolutionary
success," and how the different sides came to their conclusions. The people
who didn't understand the right answer might find the type of reasoning used
by the rest of the class to be more sophisticated than theirs. This might
create some useful cognitive conflict for them. Or it might even persuade
them.

Anyway, that's my two cents, for what it's worth.

Don

-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Carraway
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 2/8/2005 1:19 PM
Subject: question frustration!

Dear TBL list users:

I've been using some aspects of TBL in an introductory level (200)
environmental science course for almost 2 years.  For the first time I
now have a Tuesday-Thursday time slot and am using more in class team
exercises.  Today, we discussed 2 questions I made up based on material
from the chapter on evolution and biodiversity.  I thought they were pdg
questions, but some of the class (and me a bit) were frustrated by the
discussion and the inability of me (and groups that agreed with me) to
convince a couple of "hold-out" groups what the best answer is.

If ensuring discussion warrants it, I'll identify the choices involved
in the gridlock.  But, I'd like to start by just repeating the questions
and ask for opinions, feedback, etc. about the questions - what am I
missing???  BTW, there are 6 groups - 4 of 5 people and 2 of 6.


1. Which is the best symbol or exemplification of human evolutionary
success?
A. Apple
B. Infant
C. An elderly person
D. Hammer


2. Which is the best symbol or exemplification of cockroach evolutionary
success?
A. Exoskeleton
B. Young cockroaches
C. Elderly cockroaches
D. The cockroach leg  (note:  from the course text:  the cockroach leg
is highly sensitive to vibration, enabling them to escape under the
baseboard before we're able to squash them underfoot!)


Beth Carraway



Elizabeth R. Carraway, PhD
School of the Environment
Clemson University
342 Computer Court
Anderson, SC 29625
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Office:  864-656-5574
Fax:    864-656-0672
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