Problematic+Situation

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Caroline Babula The Count of Monte Cristo During Reading Strategy: Problematic Situation Problematic Situation is a during reading strategy that allows students to focus on a specific, important problem within the text. Working out the solution to the problem engages students in research, information organizing, and debates or discussions within the classroom. It is best to choose a problem that has clear advantages and disadvantages, in order to spark a lively debate. Teachers select the text and excerpt that the students can work to solve. Additionally, teachers may also present the options from which to choose as the best solution. Steps to a Problematic Situation: 1. Select a text document that states an important problem or that offers a one-sided (dare we say "controversial") solution to an important problem. 2. Divide students into groups and distribute copies of the selected document. 3. Ask the groups to produce a list of potential solutions to the problem. Suggest role-playing—assuming the role of a public official or key decision-maker—as a device for framing possible solutions. Stress that all solutions must be based on evidence within the text document or outside research. 4. Provide time for students to conduct research on the topic. 5. Encourage debate within the groups about the merits of each solution. Have each group commit to a "best solution" for the problem. 6. Ask the groups to share their findings with the class. Note any trends (e.g., agreement on specific solutions, any radically divergent solutions, etc.). 7. Allow the student groups to discuss/debate the range of solutions, defending their positions with evidence and seeking to persuade other students to agree with their conclusions. Students will use can use the reading selection as an opportunity to hone their predictive and persuasive skills, aiding them to convince classmates and the teacher that their opinion in the designated scenario is the correct one, providing evidence as to why. Problematic Situation is a wonderful way for teachers to orchestrate the class to really think about the options a character has and predict what the character will choose to do, based on what students already know about that character and the particular situation he or she is in during the excerpt. Additional information can be found at: Reading Educator. (2014). Problematic Situation. Reading Educator. Retrieved from http://www.readingeducator.com/strategies/problem.htm Novelinks.org. (n.d.) Problematic Situation. Novelinks.org. Retrieved from http://novelinks.org/uploads/Novels/TheCountOfMonteCristo/Problematic%20Situation.pdf