Claudia Gelles
11th Grade European History Round Table Discussion Assignment
Learning Objectives:
Explain (Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Understand) key ideas and beliefs of a specific Renaissance
historical figure by describing their main perspectives and important contributions.
Compare (Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Analyze) different Renaissance leaders' viewpoints by
identifying similarities and differences in their thinking.
Present (Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Apply) historical information about their chosen
Renaissance figure through a creative name tag and clear verbal explanations.
Participate (Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Evaluate) in a respectful group discussion by listening
carefully and sharing ideas about Renaissance historical perspectives.
Products: Process Overview:
Comprehensive research, preparation, and interactive presentation of a Renaissance Era
historical figure
Process:
1. Research Phase (Preparation)
Select a philosopher, politician, or religious leader from the Renaissance Era
Conduct in-depth historical research
Complete detailed notes answering specific guiding questions
Verify historical accuracy of information
Develop comprehensive understanding of the figure's viewpoint
1. Visual Representation Creation (Design)
Design a creative name tag
Develop symbolic artwork representing the figure's status or viewpoint
Incorporate historical context into visual design
Ensure the artwork reflects the historical figure's identity and significance
1. Discussion Preparation (Strategic Planning)
Organize research notes for easy reference
Identify key perspectives and potential discussion points
Prepare to articulate the historical figure's viewpoint
Develop strategies for respectful communication
1. Round Table Discussion Participation (Interactive Engagement)
Contribute a minimum of 3 substantive verbal contributions
Demonstrate active listening
Engage respectfully with other participants
Respond to teacher-posed guiding questions
Maintain historical character's perspective
Claudia Gelles
Rubric:
Renaissance Era Round Table Discussion Rubric
Criteria Advanced (4 Proficient (3 Developing Incomplete (1
points) points) Proficiently (2 point)
points)
Historical Demonstrates Provides Shows basic Minimal or
Research exceptional thorough research with superficial
depth of research research with some research with
with clear understanding of limited
comprehensive understanding of the figure's key understanding
and nuanced the historical viewpoints
understanding of figure's primary
the historical perspectives
figure's
viewpoints,
beliefs, and
historical context
Name Creates an Develops a well- Creates a basic Incomplete or
Tag/Visual exceptionally designed name name tag with poorly conceived
Representation creative and tag with clear minimal name tag with
symbolically rich symbolic symbolic little connection
name tag that elements representation to the historical
deeply reflects representing the figure
the historical figure's key
figure's identity, characteristics
status, and
philosophical
stance
Participation in Consistently Offers Provides limited Minimal
Discussion provides meaningful contributions participation or
insightful, contributions with some off-topic
substantive that show solid relevance to the contributions
contributions understanding; discussion
that demonstrate participates
deep actively and
understanding; respectfully
actively builds
on others'
comments and
Claudia Gelles
shows
exceptional
critical thinking
Historical Articulates Clearly Communicates Struggles to
Perspective & complex communicates basic communicate the
Communication historical the historical perspectives with historical figure's
perspectives with figure's some clarity; perspective
exceptional viewpoint with limited
clarity; good understanding of
demonstrates understanding of broader context
profound broader
understanding of historical context
interconnections
between
different
Renaissance
figures
Respectful Demonstrates Consistently Shows basic Demonstrates
Dialogue exceptional shows respect, respect but may limited respect or
listening skills listens actively, have occasional disruptive
and respect; and engages challenges in communication
masterfully constructively dialogue
engages in with other
constructive perspectives
dialogue that
promotes deep
mutual
understanding
Grading Scale: 20 points
● 16-20 points: Advanced
● 12-15 points: Proficient
● 8-11 points: Developing Proficiently
● 4-7 points: Incomplete