TEACHSOC: Re: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities

[Howard, Jay R]

I have always found Kathleen Lowney’s jigsaw puzzle activity to be a great way to introduce students of all ability levels to the importance and utility of theory.  I divide the class into small groups and have a competition to see which group can put together a jigsaw puzzle the fastest.   (1) Students given all pieces of 100 piece jigsaw puzzle except the borders, told to work on the puzzle with pieces upside down and without a picture to follow.  (I have my children help me separate the puzzles at home the day before.)   (2) Give students border pieces & still keeping pieces upside down, continue working.   (3) Allow students to turn pieces right side up, continue working   (4) Supply the picture on the box, finish puzzle.    Talk through experience.  What strategies did use at each step?  (How did students try to form a “theory” to make sense of the pieces of data?) Note how borders, colors, and picture serve as a “frame” (theory) that allows students to organize and make sense of seeming disconnected pieces.  Pieces are “data.  Border/Picture are “frames,” like theory, they help us make sense of and organize data/experience in society.   Source:  Kathleen S. Lowney.  1998.  “Reducing ‘Theory Anxiety” Through Puzzles.”  Teaching Sociology 26:69-73.   Students have fun with it as often a member of one team will try to steal a puzzle piece or two from another team, taunt and trash talk other teams, etc.  I get into the act by asking why students are having so much trouble and taking so long.  After all the box says “For ages 8 and up.”  This teasing causes them to point out how they have nothing (no theory) to guide them in assembling the puzzle (the data), etc.   Lowney’s exercise really helps them see why “there is nothing as practical as a good theory.”   Jay Jay Howard Professor of Sociology Head Division of Liberal Arts Deputy Editor, Teaching Sociology IUPUC 4601 Central Avenue Tel: 812.348.7270 Columbus, IN 47203-1769 Fax: 812.348.7370 www.iupuc.edu Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus   From: teachsoc@googlegroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tina Deshotels Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 8:59 AM To: 'Anne Eisenberg'; teachsoc@googlegroups.com Subject: TEACHSOC: Re: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities   Good question, Anne.    What activities/assignments do you use to make theory applicable and accessible to a diverse group of students?    The trouble I have is that I have some students that can barely read/write and some that are top notch.  I also have a pretty large class (35).  So, I’m thinking to accomplish my goal of applicability I have to work hard at making the readings/ideas accessible.   Tina   PS thanks for pushing me to clarify my question.    From: teachsoc@googlegroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anne Eisenberg Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 3:57 PM To: Tina Deshotels; teachsoc@googlegroups.com Subject: TEACHSOC: Re: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities   Hi, Tina -   The ASA has a wonderful course guide book on theory.   It all depends on what you want to accomplish in the classroom - perhaps you can provide a bit more information?   Anne F. Eisenberg Assistant Professor Department of Sociology SUNY-Geneseo 123D Sturges Hall Geneseo, NY  14454 585.245.5447 ----- Original Message ----- From: Tina Deshotels To: teachsoc@googlegroups.com Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 4:12 PM Subject: TEACHSOC: Sociological Theory Assignments and Activities   I’m teaching Sociological Theory in the fall and hoping the list will give me some input on assignments and activities.    I’m using Ritzer’s Contemporary Sociological Theory and Its Classical Roots,  and Supplementing it with Lengermann and Niebruggge-Brantley’s “The Women Founders: Sociological And Social Theory 1830-1920” and Lemert’s Social Theory The Multicultural and Classical Readings.    Thanks for all any advice!! Tina         Tina Deshotels, PhD Assistant Professor of Sociology Department of Sociology 326 Brewer Hall Jacksonville State University Jacksonville Alabama Office Phone:  256-782-5350 Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]     --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Teaching Sociology" group. To post to this group, send email to teachsoc@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/teachsoc -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---