Two years ago I came across an innovative website called Cognician. This site describes itself as the “original thought processor.” Cognician offers free and low-cost “cogs,” which are sort of like apps for thinking processes. A cog provides a structure for thinking systematically and creatively about a topic. As the site explains
“Learning to use Cognician is a bit like learning to be a good conversationalist. Sometimes it's your turn to add something to the conversation; sometimes it's the other person's turn. In this case the "other person" is a cog.”
Intrigued by the cogs, I worked collaboratively with Cognician designers to develop a Differentiated Lesson Planner cog for teachers. This is available as a free download. Positive reviews prompted me to collaborate with Eileen Adair, a friend and high school English teacher, to develop another cog, this time for students. It is now available!
The Literary Analysis Cog guides secondary students through a series of questions aimed at developing a comprehensive literary analysis. The major components include point of view, plot, characterization, setting, conflict, literary devices and theme. Because students have various readiness levels, each component includes guiding questions at a Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Level. Several links to lists will prompt students’ thinking as they develop their responses. The cog’s visual display and flexibility will entice students to begin their literary analysis, to stay focused as they move through the prompts, and to complete an effective plan for their paper.
“Learning to use Cognician is a bit like learning to be a good conversationalist. Sometimes it's your turn to add something to the conversation; sometimes it's the other person's turn. In this case the "other person" is a cog.”
Intrigued by the cogs, I worked collaboratively with Cognician designers to develop a Differentiated Lesson Planner cog for teachers. This is available as a free download. Positive reviews prompted me to collaborate with Eileen Adair, a friend and high school English teacher, to develop another cog, this time for students. It is now available!
The Literary Analysis Cog guides secondary students through a series of questions aimed at developing a comprehensive literary analysis. The major components include point of view, plot, characterization, setting, conflict, literary devices and theme. Because students have various readiness levels, each component includes guiding questions at a Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Level. Several links to lists will prompt students’ thinking as they develop their responses. The cog’s visual display and flexibility will entice students to begin their literary analysis, to stay focused as they move through the prompts, and to complete an effective plan for their paper.
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