Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
|
Day 2
|
Day 3
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Mystery Salon Launch - Students receive a mysterious letter inviting them to a secret Enlightenment salon. The classroom is transformed into a salon setting with period-appropriate decorations and music. Each student is assigned an Enlightenment thinker to research and embody. This activity sets the stage for the project and sparks curiosity. (30 min)
Introduction to Enlightenment Thinkers - Begin researching assigned Enlightenment thinkers using provided primary and secondary sources. Students will start compiling a research portfolio, focusing on their thinker's philosophical contributions and beliefs. (50 min)
|
Research and Reflection - Continue researching assigned thinkers, focusing on their influence on political, social, and economic systems. Students reflect in their journals on how these ideas challenge existing structures in pre-revolutionary France. (40 min)
Group Discussion - Students share initial findings in small groups, practicing effective communication by listening and providing feedback. This helps refine their research focus and understanding. (40 min)
|
Developing Character Profiles - Students create detailed character profiles for their assigned thinkers, including key philosophies, historical context, and potential discussion points for the panel. Profiles are shared for peer feedback. (40 min)
Feedback and Revision - Using feedback, students refine their character profiles and research portfolios, focusing on clarity and depth of understanding. This self-directed learning activity helps prepare for the panel discussion. (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Participation in the immersive role-play activity, receiving and responding to the mysterious salon invitation.
2. Completion of initial research on the assigned Enlightenment thinker, documented in the research portfolio. 3. Draft of a one-page summary of the Enlightenment thinker's key ideas and their contribution to Enlightenment philosophy. 4. Reflective journal entry discussing initial thoughts on the assigned thinker and their potential impact on the French Revolution. 5. Peer feedback form filled out with constructive comments on classmates' research progress and understanding of their assigned thinkers. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Arrange the classroom space to resemble an 18th-century Enlightenment salon with appropriate decorations and music.
2. Prepare and distribute mysterious invitation letters for the salon role-play activity. 3. Assign each student an Enlightenment thinker to research and embody. 4. Gather and provide access to research materials, including primary and secondary sources on Enlightenment thinkers. 5. Create and distribute a research guide outlining key information students should gather about their assigned thinker. 6. Develop and provide a reflective journal template for students to record their thoughts and insights throughout the project. 7. Set up a feedback mechanism, such as a structured peer review form, for students to give and receive feedback on their research and presentation skills. |
||
| Week 2 |
Day 4
|
Day 5
|
Day 6
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Deep Dive into Enlightenment Philosophies - Students split into pairs and delve deeper into key philosophies of their assigned thinkers, focusing on how these ideas influenced the political and economic climate of pre-revolutionary France. (40 min)
Interactive Timeline Creation - In small groups, students create an interactive timeline that connects Enlightenment ideas with significant pre-revolutionary events in France. This visual aid will help contextualize their panel discussions. (40 min)
|
Roundtable Prep and Practice - Students rehearse their roles for the panel discussion, focusing on articulation of ideas and effective communication. Peer feedback is given to refine arguments and presentation style. (40 min)
Journaling and Self-Reflection - Students write in their reflective journals about the challenges and insights gained through embodying their thinkers, using this to guide further preparation. (40 min)
|
Peer Feedback Session - Students present a draft of their panel discussion points to peers for constructive feedback, emphasizing clarity and depth of arguments. (40 min)
Incorporating Feedback and Finalizing Profiles - Using peer and teacher feedback, students refine their character profiles and discussion points to ensure readiness for the panel. (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed research portfolios, including primary and secondary source analyses for their assigned Enlightenment thinker.
2. Draft of the script or outline for the panel discussion, demonstrating understanding of the philosopher's ideas and their role in the French Revolution. 3. Peer feedback forms filled out by classmates, providing insights and suggestions for improvement. 4. Reflective journal entries that include self-assessment of progress and strategies for improvement based on peer and teacher feedback. 5. A recorded practice session of the panel discussion segment, with self-reflection on communication and presentation skills. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather primary and secondary sources about Enlightenment thinkers for student research.
2. Prepare digital or physical research portfolios for students to organize their findings. 3. Set up a peer review station with guidelines and templates for providing constructive feedback. 4. Create a rubric for evaluating research portfolios and presentation drafts. 5. Arrange for a guest speaker or virtual expert talk on the impact of Enlightenment ideas on the French Revolution. 6. Prepare digital tools for video recording practice presentations. 7. Organize materials for reflective journaling sessions, including prompts and journals. |
||
| Week 3 |
Day 7
|
Day 8
|
Day 9
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Panel Rehearsal - Students participate in a full run-through of the panel discussion, focusing on timing, presentation, and engagement. Feedback is provided by peers and the instructor to refine final performances. (40 min)
Reflection and Adjustment - Students review feedback and make final adjustments to their arguments and presentation style, ensuring clarity and confidence in their roles as Enlightenment thinkers. (40 min)
|
Dress Rehearsal with Audience - Conduct a dress rehearsal with a small audience of peers acting as the public. Students practice responding to audience questions and refine their ability to think on their feet. (40 min)
Final Preparations - Students polish their research portfolios and prepare any visual aids or props needed for the panel discussion. This time is also used for personal reflection on learning growth throughout the project. (40 min)
|
Panel Presentation Day - Students present their Enlightenment thinkers in a live panel discussion, engaging with classmates, teachers, and invited guests. Each student presents their thinker's perspectives and participates in dynamic exchanges. (60 min)
Post-Panel Reflection - After the panel, students write a reflective journal entry, considering the experience, feedback received, and personal growth. They connect Enlightenment ideas to modern contexts and their community. (20 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Participate in and contribute to a live panel discussion, embodying assigned Enlightenment thinkers.
2. Complete a video recording of the panel discussion, capturing each student's presentation and responses. 3. Submit a research portfolio including primary and secondary sources, reflective journals, and peer feedback. 4. Write and submit a reflective essay connecting Enlightenment ideas to the causes of the French Revolution. 5. Collect and review peer and audience feedback using provided forms. 6. Engage in a post-discussion reflection session to self-assess performance and identify areas for improvement. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Arrange seating in a semi-circle or 'U' shape for the panel discussion setup.
2. Ensure video recording equipment is set up and tested for the panel discussion. 3. Prepare feedback forms for peer and audience evaluations. 4. Organize name tags or placards for each student with their Enlightenment thinker's name. 5. Set up a display area for students to exhibit their research portfolios and reflective journals. 6. Arrange for any invited guests (e.g., other teachers, administrators) to attend the panel discussion. |
||