Almasi Article

I read the section on student’s roles and figure three of Janice F. Almasi’s article, "A New View of Discussion” and I particularly enjoyed the two diagrams that described students and teachers roles in both a recitation and a discussion setting. As teachers it is important for us to know how to fulfill each role when it is appropriate. We should keep in mind that during a discussion, the main focus is on students’ thoughts and collaboration. During discussions, the student’s roles as inquisitor, facilitator (of both interaction and interpretation), the respondent and the evaluator are highlighted while the teacher sits back making observations and intervening only when absolutely necessary. This is the chance for the students to interpret the reading, share their thoughts in the reading and have their questions answered and analyzed by their own peers. I love the idea of student-led discussion because I think it fosters self-efficacy and allows students to share ideas in a comfortable setting. Students who might normally, feel intimidated to share might be more open to the idea knowing that their peers are asking the questions and participating as well.

In my field placement I see many recitations take place where my CT has large role as the inquisitor, facilitator, respondent and evaluator, and I have yet to see a discussion take place like those mentioned in the article. Since I am currently placed in a first and second grade split class, I think the recitation works well because my CT is able to ask questions that guide students in a certain direction and assess comprehension and test to self-connections. The students in my class love sharing their opinions, but when asked open-ended questions they easily get off task and will begin to share any story whether or not it is relevant to the initial question or the reading. I think the students in my class might struggle with a student- led discussion at this point, but with scaffolding, I think it is something they would be able to do in small groups. After reading the roles students take on during discussions, I can picture certain students in my class who would do well in each specific role and I look forward to planning and teaching my literacy lessons, so I can try some of these discussion ideas with them.