Task:

1. To read and evaluate the discussion questions which have been submitted with each selection by both you and your teammates. "Evaluate" the questions by asking:
• Does the question emphasize plot details instead of introducing new thoughts?
• Is the question grammatically correct? Well-worded?
• Make necessary changes to the questions in order to ensure that they are, indeed, discussion questions. Confer with the student-author of the question for clarification-- and assistance in reworking the questions.
2. To choose 10 literary selections which utilize words that may be new to students. Choose 2 "new Vocabulary Words" to be highlighted within the selection. Define the word in a "mini glossary."
3. To create five "Optional Activities" to enhance the discussion questions.
• These activities may be implemented in the classroom or used as homework.
• Examples: If you choose to create an "Optional Activity" for a play, you may ask that a certain scene performed in class as a staged reading. If the play has been made into a movie, you may ask the class to watch the movie for homework and comment on it in a short paper, comparing it to the play-- Does the student understand the play better after having seen the movie? Did the movie change the play? Are there any benefits to reading the play instead of seeing the movie?
• The activities should be creative and well thought out. They should stimulate further thought on the literature.

Resources:

• The Education Resource, The State Art of Reading, has on-line information pertaining to the use of discussion questions in literature classes. The information contained in Idea 6 and Idea 7 may influence your strategy of evaluating student discussion questions.
• The Oxford English Dictionary has an on-line site. This may be helpful to you when you are forming your vocabulary "Mini Glossaries."
• Off-line Resources available at the University of Richmond Library:
• Student-posed Questions for Literature Based Discussion, by Michelle Commeyras
• Classroom Questions: What Kinds?, by Norris Sanders