Challenge Authority Cards

and Listening. Example cards:

Write a question about the text and give peers two answers. One that is correct and one that might appear correct. Try to convince them that both are correct using evidence from the text. Have them prove you wrong by finding the correct answer using the same evidence.

Question the text:

Did the text authors make any errors?

Use any poor examples?

Have a biased perspective?

Leave out something essential?

Listen for a point that the teacher makes that you think you could debate. Debate the teacher, using supportive examples or evidence to prove your point.

How could you “fix” this experiment/game/situation (i.e. cheat) so that the outcome would be different?

Talking Chips

Use poker chips covered with graphic cues related to a variety of discussion strategies. Examples of graphic cues: relationships, compare/contrast, agree, disagree, universal theme, extension, equality or inequality, main idea, pattern, trends, different perspective, evidence. Students are encouraged to toss a relevant talking chip into a container when they have something to say.