2. The Context
A top set Y8 class of 30 students (mixed boys and girls) were
asked to write a speech based on the book Refugee Boy.
The Task: Write an effective, persuasive speech, which argues
either for or against the following statement:
Alem Kelo’s situation is very sad but he (like many other child
asylum seekers in Britain) should be sent back home unless he
can prove that his life would be endangered if he returned.
next
3. The Context
This is the first formal persuasive essay the students have
written, and the first speech.
In Lesson 1 students were given a guidance sheet by their
teacher to help structure their initial enquiries. They were
given a laptop to work on in class.
In Lesson 2 Students were asked to make notes on paper of any
useful pieces of information or tips they found from their
TeachBot answers. They wrote an opening paragraph.
next
6. In Lesson 3 they completed the first draft of their essay under
controlled conditions, using their notes from Teachbot but
without the use of the Bot. All of the students who had
been present for the previous lessons completed at least a
side of writing (300 words). Most wrote over a side and a
half (600-800 words).
The following slides show some examples of their writing with
discussion from them about the work that they produced
using TeachBot.
A 4th lesson would have used Teachbot to peer-assess, redraft
and improve their writing.
The Context
next
7. Writing – example of one student’s writing
next
Maturity of
expression –
appropriate for a
reasoned (legal)
argument.
Effective pausing
and build-ups
8. Writing – how TeachBot has been used to improve writing
next
9. Anecdote appeals to emotion
Range of rhetorical devices
Contrasting length of sentences
Addressing of audience
next
10. Writing – how TeachBot has been used to improve writing
next
11. This paragraph starts to build the narrative of the speech
Student usually disappointing in formal written assessments – fails
to write enough and becomes unfocussed
next
14. How does it help you?
‘It was good at reminding you of stuff you already knew’.
‘It helps you to learn and work independently – at your own pace’.
‘It’s up to you to use the advice in whatever way suits you’.
‘It helps you to get a better understanding by being able to ask more
questions’.
‘I think you could use it to help you with writing in other subjects too’.
next
16. • Personalisation
• Interactivity
• Student related content
• Examples
• Difference from textbooks and other websites
because of the above
What students like about Teachbot
next
TB – used by Y8 at St Berns to help write a speech based on reading Refugee Boy. Given some suggestions by teacher as to things they needed to look at in TB to help them – reading and writing speeches. Made notes.
