by Thomas Smith, Point Loma High School
This project will require the kids, who are in groups of four, to spend individual time researching a character in Paradise Lost. They must find descriptions of the character, a description of both physical attributes and the actions they committed within Milton’s timeline, that they are assigned. This description cannot come from Milton; instead, it must be found online through various sites. Then as a group they will use the background information to choose which character Milton would most likely have picked as the main character. Once they have chosen they will use evidence found in the poem to support their choice.
Teacher Introduction
This is a free thinking process so you can not have a correct answer in mind. The students will always surprise you and that is really the outcome that we want as teachers because it show that they put time and abstract thought into the project.
During the individual research phase you need to be helping your kids find appropriate sites to pull information from, but do not prohibit them from going outside the sites you have already been screened because then you will be cutting out some of their creativity.
Once they are back in their groups monitor their discussion and how they choose which character to argue as the main character. Everyone should have a say in the decision so that the entire group is happy with the decision. This will help each group member be involved.
During the presentations ask probing questions so help the members of the group give information and get full participation points for the presentation. This will also encourage the other students to write good questions and think more about their presentation to come.
The grade should be based on participation and presentation NOT on which character they they argue to be the main.