Show Me the Evidence

Opinions are plentiful, but those that can be expressed with logical support are less common. In the Showing Evidence Strategy, students develop and communicate arguments that reflect critical thinking and clear reasoning based on solid supporting evidence. The effectiveness of this strategy relies upon visual frameworks that help students to sort information and support their opinions by demonstrating how pieces of evidence strengthen or weaken an argument. Students can use the strategy as a basis for writing argument papers, conducting debates, or defending positions. Equally important, is that students can apply this strategy to analyze others’ arguments.

Implementation

1. Model the strategy for students using the online tools and templates.
2. Be sure to carefully explain the assignment and expectations for reporting out and debriefing.
3. Allow students several choices of topics if you are using controversial issues. Limit the choices so that you can closely monitor the group conversations.
4. Provide opportunities for both sides of an issue to be presented. Group norms for open discussions will need to be established for respectful disagreements.

Classroom Management

 

1. Select a topic or argument that has a complex basis or use a controversial issue.
2. Explicit instruction about elements of effective argumentation may be necessary.
3. Students first record their prior knowledge about the issue, though upon investigation, they may discover that their current understanding may contain faulty information.
4. Use the Showing Evidence tool to record related information discovered through research, reading, or interviews about various sides of the issue.
5. Students enter information based on the tool’s design:

• State the thesis
• Describe reason for selecting this thesis
• List strongest and weakest evidence and faulty information
• Identify biases inherent in different viewpoints
• Reach a conclusion