### Title: Source Evaluation and Essay Preparation Strategies
#### Lesson Synopsis:
Today’s session revolved around enhancing students’ capabilities in identifying credible sources and understanding source types, which is crucial for their upcoming essay assignments. This exercise incorporated practical application through peer reviews of chosen websites, enriching the students’ analytical skills to discern the credibility and relevance of various online resources.
#### Attendance:
– Two absences noted: iGetting and Ibros (arrived late).
#### Topics Covered:
1. **Recap and Acknowledgments:**
– Recognition of students’ participation in a recent spelling bee and their excellent performance.
– Reminder about the semester’s timeline and upcoming final essay.
2. **Introduction to Source Evaluation:**
– Recap of previous discussion on source types and credibility.
– Transition into practical exercise with student-prepared examples from a homework task, which involved finding a website.
3. **Peer Review Activity:**
– Students paired up to review one another’s selected websites concerning their relevance and credibility, focusing on:
– Website credibility assessment (high, medium, low).
– Source type classification (primary, secondary, tertiary).
– Discussions facilitated to deepen understanding of practical implications of source selection through examples displayed and critiqued in real-time.
4. **Extended Source Evaluation Examples:**
– Interactive class activity titled “Source Defense” where students defended the credibility and identified the types of sources using specific criteria discussed in class.
– Provided feedback and corrections on misunderstandings regarding source classifications and the elements that influence source credibility.
5. **Consolidation and Homework Instruction:**
– Important pointers reiterated on the distinction between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources and their appropriate use in academic writing.
– Instructions given for the next homework assignment focused on finding another credible source.
#### Actionable Items:
1. **Follow-up on Absentees:**
– Reach out to absent students to ensure they understand the material covered and the expectations for the upcoming homework.
2. **Office Hours Announcement:**
– Reminder to announce the rescheduled office hours for next Monday due to today’s cancellation, ensuring students have support if needed.
3. **Enhancement of Source Evaluation Materials:**
– Consider developing supplementary materials or mini-lectures on advanced source evaluation techniques to assist in upcoming essay preparations.
#### Homework:
– **Finding Evidence Assignment Part 2:**
– Students are to select a second learning characteristic discussed earlier in the course.
– Find and evaluate a website that provides credible information addressing the selected characteristic.
– Prepare to defend the source’s credibility and classification in the next class as part of ongoing preparation for the final essay.