As your blogs are worth 20% of your total mark, it is important to know what I am assessing them for so that you can present your best work.  Below I have listed the 'Big Questions' that guide me in assessing your blogs.  You can use these questions to make sure that you are meeting my expectations with your blog assignments.  As well, I have listed the specific outcomes that I am using to assess the blogs at each grade level.  You will see how similar the outcomes are from grade 10 to 12.  These outcomes are listed in 'student-friendly language', because the language in the curriculum can be confusing, even for me.  If you would like access to the original curriculum documents, check out the link that I have posted to Manitoba's ELA Curriculum Documents or see me in class for a paper copy of the outcomes.

Big questions:

Are you making meaningful and thoughtful blog entries?

Are you supporting your ideas with evidence or reasons?

When asked, are you able to meaningfully reflect on your assignments and identify areas for improvement?

Are you making meaningful and thoughtful comments on other people’s blogs?

Are you being respectful when discussing others’ ideas in your blog and when commenting on others’ blogs, even when you disagree with their ideas?

Is there evidence in your blogs and comments that you are seeking out and using others’ ideas to develop your own ideas?

Grade 10 Outcomes

1.1.1    You think about your own opinions and ideas in order to come to a position on a topic.

1.1.2    You seek out other people’s ideas and opinions and consider how they help you come to a better understanding of an issue or topic.

1.1.5    You assess your own understanding of ELA (what do you think are your strengths and weaknesses in ELA?) and make a plan for personal growth in ELA learning.

1.2.2    You can explain your opinions, providing support or reasons and can anticipate others viewpoints.

5.1.1    You make contributions to group work and encourage others to do so as well.  You do this by using language that is respectful and supportive.

Grade 11 Outcomes

1.1.1    You can develop a ‘position’ using your ideas, observations, opinions and emotions.

1.1.2    You seek out other people’s ideas, observations and opinions to rework and clarify your position.

1.1.5    You assess your own understanding of ELA (what do you think are your strengths and weaknesses in ELA?) and make a plan for personal growth in ELA learning.

1.2.2    You can communicate how you rethought and reworked your understanding of texts or your opinions on a subject after receiving new knowledge and/or experiences.

5.1.1    You use language to build and maintain respectful relationships with people in various roles; use tactful language when discussing differing viewpoints or offering constructive criticism.

Grade 12 Outcomes

1.1.1    You rethink and solidify your position on a topic based on new ideas, observations, opinions and emotions.

1.1.2    You assess the validity of alternative perspectives and ideas in order to clarify your own position on a topic.

1.1.5    You assess your own understanding of ELA (what do you think are your strengths and weaknesses in ELA?) and make a plan for personal growth in ELA learning related to your daily life and future employment.

1.2.3    You seek out multiple sources and types of information to make sure that you are considering different perspectives when communicating your position on a topic.

5.1.1    You use language to demonstrate openness and flexibility in working with others; listen attentively and encourage differing viewpoints, using tactful language when disagreeing or problem solving.

5.2.1    You evaluate different facts and viewpoints to come to an understanding about texts, others and yourself.