[English] PoLT Component 4

[Smith, David M]

I went to an interesting workshop at the VATE conference abou thinking dispositions run by Doug McCurry (related to Janet?).
One of the things he described was called a ProCon table. This is like a list of arguments for and against a proposition, but requiring more careful and open minded thinking.

It works as follows: a proposition is written at the top of the table. Beneath this are two columns labelled Pro and Con. In the first row of the pro column is listed a plausible argument supporting the proposition. 
Next to it, in the Con column is listed a plausible rebuttal of the Pro argument (this is not a new argument against the proposition, but a direct rebuttal of the first argument).

The process is repeated, this time with an argument against the proposition placed in the Con column and a rebuttal of it in the Pro column. The process continues until all possible arguments Pro & Con have been listed along with their rebuttals.

It strikes me that this process should aid thinking that is thorough and analytical. I haven't tried it yet, so I don't know how it will play out. The problem I can see is that it focuses only on one proposition where a topic such as colonistaion and globalisation may be more complex and interconnected - perhaps a series of propositions may be needed, but this could get tedious.

regards
Dave


_______________________________________________
http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
VCE English Teachers' Mailing List



Important - 
This email and any attachments may be confidential. If received in error, please contact us and delete all copies. Before opening or using attachments check them for viruses and defects. Regardless of any loss, damage or consequence, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not, resulting directly or indirectly from the use of any attached files our liability is limited to resupplying any affected attachments. Any representations or opinions expressed are those of the individual sender, and not necessarily those of the Department of Education & Training.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.edulists.com.au/pipermail/english/attachments/20060601/888173a1/attachment.html