10/24--time away from technology.

Okay, this post has nothing to do with using digital technologies in the classroom, but it does concern a teaching technique that I wanted to think about.  In face-to-face classes, it's sometimes difficult to think of a good, relevant icebreaker.  So last Thursday I explored the Internet for ideas, and this one was my favorite:

• “Stranded on an Island.”  Get into a group of 3-4 people.  Each person should answer the following questions:  (1) What one item would I bring if I were to be stranded on a desert island?  and (2) Why would I bring this item?  Then, as a group, decide how your group could combine your items to improve your chances of survival.  Each group will report its results to the class.

I like this idea for two major reasons.  To begin with, it gets the students talking to each other.  Secondly, I like it because it gets the students in the position of THINKING TOGETHER to come up with a response, which is something that they're going to have to do during class discussions all semester long.  I know that the "desert island" idea may seem a bit dated, but I do think it will get them thinking in creative ways, which is particularly important for a writing class.