Critical+Response

Critical Response (Tool 2): Adapts Critical Response prompts for small group discussion and reports outs on photograph by Cornell Capa: "The Savoy Ballroom" Type of Learning: Reasoning Type of Assessment: Personal Communication

Organize students into table-top groups and provide a poster of the photograph for each group. Each group decides who will be the reporter and who will be their recorder. (Roles could rotate during the discussion).
 * Preparation:**

We're using Critical Response to examine a photograph today. [If students are unfamiliar with this protocol, explain it's purpose and how it's organized into question rounds.] You'll work in table-top groups to answer a question, looking for as many answers as possible within your small group. You'll have 2 - 5 minutes for each question and at the end, decide onr or two responses that your group wants to report-out to the whole group.
 * Set - Up:**

Before we begin, decide who's going to be the reporter in your group - that person will present your group's responses. You also need to pick a recorder for each group - someone who will write out those 1 or 2 responses on a post-it [or sheet of paper]. After each small discussion, we'll hear from each group and your recorder will come post the comments here [white board, giant poster, etc.].

Remember - there are no "wrong answers" in this discussion.Getting lots of different ideas and takes on this photograph is our goal.

1. What do you notice about this photograph? Describe what you see. (Just the facts, please.... describe what you see in neutral terms like a reporter... describe without judgment or personal opinions)

2. What does it remind you of?

3. How does it make you feel?

4. What questions does it make you ask? (OR What questions come up for you?)

5. What's the message of this photograph? What does the photographer want you to understand?