For next class, bring with
you a few things:
1. A start on your
paper
2. A list of specific
questions about your topic and/or your data
3. Copies of the data
sources that you would share with others to show them what you are
working on and how you are approaching your topic.
We work in class next time
developing your papers, so this is your opportunity to really dig into
the work. For the start on your paper, there are no specific guidelines.
You might have a few paragraphs, or a substantive freewrite (or set of
them) that helps to establish your thinking. You might have some tables
or charts you have created (even just sketched by hand) or an outline or
idea web. Just make sure you have a real start on the paper.
You have brought in several pages with data tables.
Without explanation, pass these charts around. You will have about 5
minutes with each person’s charts, so you may want to suggest a priority
order.
Individually and without discussion:
Study the charts and see what you see. Each person should come up with
three clear observations about the data in the chart. Note what you see
as a trend, for instance. You can compare the movement in a few different
categories. After you have these three interesting observations, come up
with a question, something that might be answered by further research but
doesn’t appear on the chart. Write all this down; do not share your notes
yet. I’ll tell you when it’s time to change. Even if you have found your
three observations before time is up, continue studying the data, based on
suggestions for data analysis in the book. (See, for instance, if there’s a
way to group these factors in a different way.)
Talking time: The person who brought the
table will explain what he/she is thinking about working on and why. Then
others in the group share what they saw in these data tables and the
questions they posed.
