Leading Classroom Discussion: Micro-lesson Plan

Big Idea: Is a Protagonist always a hero?

Learning Goal: (Written in “I can” fashion per the districts request.) Look at a
story from multiple perspectives and lenses.
MDE: ELA Objectives: Grade 9-10: Write arguments to support claims in an
analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and
sufficient evidence.
b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while
pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the
audience’s knowledge level and concerns.
Overview: Students have finished reading the Odyssey and are taking summative
test on everything we read on Monday. (It is Friday when the discussion is
attempted) After they take the test they will begin writing their essay on whether
Odysseus was an epic hero or not. I decided it would be best to have a discussion
on an action Odysseus took. (Slaughtering all the suitors) I ask the students
whether it was right or wrong (justified) that Odysseus killed all these men. Since
most of the class said yes, I decide to play devils advocate, now assuming most of
them have never been asked to look at the story from a different perspective. The
main goal is for students to look at characters in stories from different perspectives.
To organize the idea, we focus specifically on our protagonist (Odysseus) and
whether what he did was right or wrong.
Summary: Today, while working in groups, designated tables they work at when
we do group work, they will work independently, 10 minutes, and asked every
group will have someone writing, someone speaking, and the other members
searching. There are 4 to 5 students at each table. Once this is finished, we will go
around each table and I will write on the board their response to their question of
whether they thought Odysseus was right or wrong for killing the suitors. I have
the white board visually divided into “right” and “wrong.” While the group tells
me their points, I will question them to really support their evidence no matter
what answer they chose. This is a micro-lesson. Discussion that only last for 20
minutes.
Assessment: Students will be asked to work in groups and answer the question,
write their responses and share them as a class. Odysseus: Right or Wrong? It is
due at the end of the discussion with all the group members names on it.
Outcome/Visual: The classes analysis/notes throughout our conversation.