MacLeod+Group

In my most recent Ceramics lesson, I presented the class with the following question to be answered as a homework assignment:

"you know that Coil Pottery is 'pottery that is made by assembling rolled coils of clay.' Based on this knowledge, what is Slab-build Pottery? Write a few sentences in which you describe what you think the process might involve, what materials you might use and any limitations of the technique you might anticipate."

The students completed this assignment for homework and we began the next class period with a discussion of their answers, building a working definition of the term Slab-Build Pottery and outlining the general process of building a slab pot. This was the first step in introducing a new unit of instruction that will deal with Slab Pots and will ultimately be a studio assignment, with students producing slab pottery.

Is this a valid use of the EQ or am I off base? Thanks, Bryan

Bryan, the question about slab-build pottery isn't bad, but because I'm unfamiliar with the subject matter, I can't say if it's a good EQ. From what I gather, this might be a better EQ (but I could be wrong): "How does coil pottery differ from slab-build pottery?" For that question, students would need to identify components of both and then use higher-level thinking to compare/contrast.

Bryan, I think your EQ is a good one. I think the sentence that follows both enhances and complicates the EQ. I think it enhances the EQ because it challenges students to think more deeply about the topic and challenges students to consider various aspects of the topic. However, with some of your lower functioning students these extra sentences may be overstimulating. A graphic organizer with each concept in a box might solve this. Maybe you can incorporate this into the students' sketchbooks. They could even draw their own graphic organizer. I also like how you used it as a springboard for your lesson; challenging your class to reflect on their prior knowledge to build new knowledge. Great comprehension strategy! -JF