ABSTRACT
Conversation was more reliable than the written word, for if there was a misunderstanding, a lack of clarity, a need to test, the readers asked a question. In discussion, students become autonomous and critical learners, expressing opinions, listening to others, agreeing or disagreeing for specific motives, searching for clarity, weighing evidence. Subject-specific texts such as primary sources in history require clarification of identity of the author, his or her place in society, purpose in writing, the genre of the text, the intended audience, the question of perspective and bias, the language of the author, and rhetorical devices. The preparation sheet permits students to foresee the broad arc of the conversation, and so be able to prepare their own points, explanations, and examples. They can moreover indicate what they found particularly difficult or confusing, and this can greatly clarify the readers own preparation. A final step, whenever possible, is to discuss the lesson plan with a colleague during common planning time.
