Teaching argumentation and an example

This article details a great way of teaching students how to use evidence to construct arguments, and how language plays a role in the development of this skill. By building on the differen... See More

This article details a great way of teaching students how to use evidence to construct arguments, and how language plays a role in the development of this skill. By building on the differences between exploratory speech (“spontaneous exchanges”) and presentational speech (more prepared and formal speech), and embracing those differences, teachers can scaffold argumentation skills. The authors have used a specific example that effectively shows the process that requires students to support opinions with evidence and debate their claim.

Argumentation Is Good

After a brief explanation of the types of speech that can be made, the author describes the seven characteristics of persuasive discussion or argumentation. A good example is provided for t... See More

After a brief explanation of the types of speech that can be made, the author describes the seven characteristics of persuasive discussion or argumentation. A good example is provided for the reader and an explanation of how this type of speech can lead to more learning and how they need to make the connection between evidence and conclusions. Many teachers don’t see the need to emphasize literacy skills in science but there is a definite connection as pointed out in this article.