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 [log in to unmask] www.ces.clemson.edu/ees <http://www.ces.clemson.edu/ees> Office: 864-656-5574 Fax: 864-656-0672 Pendleton office: 864-646-2189 (phone) 864-646-2277 (fax)