Iconic Instruction
Students need to be thinking ... Learning to think, means developing higher level skills and responding in a deeper, more complex, enriching way.  The use of "icons", or visual symbols, helps students differentiate their thinking and responses.  These are the icons we will be referring to and using:
 
 

D

E

P

T

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

O

M

P

L

E

X

I

T

Y

     

Language of the Discipline

Important Vocabulary; Rich Words; Figurative Language
    

Details

Facts; Parts; Attributes / Characteristics
   

Unanswered Questions

Missing Parts; Unclear Ideas; Discrepancies
    

Patterns

Repetition; Predictability; Reoccurring Events

Rules

Missing Parts; Unclear Ideas; Discrepancies
  

Trends

Influences on Events; Popular Events; Compare / Contrast
     

Big Ideas

Themes; Generalizations; Principles
     

Changes Over Time

Relationships; Changes Over Time; Changes From Place To Place
      

Points of View

Opposite Viewpoints; Different Roles and Knowledge;
Multiple Ways to See Things
      

Ethics

Different Opinions / Judgments; Reflection of Bias / Prejudice;
Dilemmas / Controversies