Collaborative Learning: Entry Level

9-12 Lesson

Using Podcasts to Enhance the Understanding of Grammar Usage

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Grade Level

11-12 (can also be adapted to 9-10)

Classroom Configuration

  • Whole group instruction, using a projector.

Common Core State Standards:ELA

  • Conventions of Standard English
    11-12.L.1
    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and
    usage when writing or speaking.
    a. Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested.
    b. Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, Garner’s Modern American Usage) as needed.
    11-12.L.2
    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization,
    punctuation, and spelling when writing.
    Comprehension and Collaboration
    11-12.SL.2
    Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

    Arizona Educational Technology Standards (2009)

    • Creativity and Innovation
      • Concept 1:
        • PO 1: Analyze, evaluate and synthesize information to create new ideas, processes, or products.


    Objective

    • By listening to Grammar Girl podcast on iTunes U, student grammar usage and writing using comma splice will improve.


    Procedure
    (Note: This lesson should be taught in conjunction with a writing assignment.)

    • Introduce grammar topic of “Comma Splicing” as a fairly common misuse of punctuation.
    • Definition of Comma Splice: A comma splice occurs when the writer attempts to hook two sentences with a comma.
    • Write sentence on board. The clouds are gathering in the north, it will rain soon.
    • How do we know if it contains a comma splice?
    • Ask yourself, can the groups of words on either side of the comma stand alone as a complete and sensible sentence. If the answer is yes, then it is a comma splice.
    • Check by reading aloud the words in the sentence that precede and follow the comma. Do they make sense when read separately?
    • How do we correct the comma splice?
      • You can make a new sentence. The clouds are gathering in the north. It will rain soon.
      • You can insert a conjunction after the comma, a word that will join the two sentences into a compound sentence. The clouds are gathering in the north, and it will rain soon.
      • Or you could use a semi-colon. The clouds are gathering in the north; it will rain soon.
    • After board examples are completed, using computer and Internet, navigate to iTunes U, Podcasts. Search for Grammar Girl, Quick and Dirty Tips,
    • Listen to short, engaging grammar tips podcasts.
    • Play Grammar Girl episode #228 Comma Splice to reinforce the lesson.
    • Follow-up with independent activity of students using or noting this type of punctuation in their own writing.


    Materials


    Assessment

    After listening to grammar podcasts in school or assigned as homework, students will be assessed of grammar usage by observation of writing logs or assignments

Technology Integration Matrix

Active

Collaborative

Constructive

Authentic

Goal Directed