Argue with Me: Argument as a Path to Developing Students' Thinking and Writing

It is essential that middle- and high-school students develop argument skills. This rich resource provides a clear, step-by-step approach that achieves this goal. The method is rooted in peer dialog and makes use of readily available technology. The authors document impressive gains in students’ skills in producing and interpreting both dialogic and written arguments. The method can be used in English or content-area classes, or even be implemented as a stand-alone class or as part of a debate program. This curriculum helps students become critical thinkers prepared for the demands of college, careers, and citizenship.

Book Features:

• Background on why students should develop argument skills and what these skills consist of
• The nuts and bolts of how to implement the curriculum in your own classroom
• Alignments to the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
• Accessible video material showing both teacher’s instructions and students’ activities
• Samples of students’ written work
• Assessment tools that you can use or modify to fit your own needs
• An appendix with additional guides, examples, suggested topics, and classroom-ready reproducibles.

New to the second edition is a chapter on how you can incorporate this approach into an existing curriculum if you are unable to implement the full program.The techniques are designed to be flexible and adaptable, and work with students of all ability levels―especially with those who are less motivated and engaged in school.

This enhanced edition is also accompanied by free bonus eResources, such as suggested readings on different topics and full lesson plans, which you can download and print from our website, www.routledge.com/9781138911406.

Deanna Kuhn is Professor of Psychology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Laura Hemberger is an experienced classroom teacher and is completing her Ph.D. at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Valerie Khait is a researcher at Amplify Education Inc. and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology at Hunter College, CUNY. She has a Ph.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University.