Making the Most of Using Perusall.epub

[]{#cover.xhtml} ::: {style="text-align: center; padding: 0pt; margin: 0pt;"} ::: ::: {.footer} [{.cc}](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College,...

[]{#cover.xhtml} ::: {style="text-align: center; padding: 0pt; margin: 0pt;"} ::: ::: {.footer} [{.cc}](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College, [www.saltise.ca](http://www.saltise.ca) ::: []{#intro.xhtml} The purpose of Perusall ======================= Reading, watching, or listening to the assigned material is important but does not guarantee learning. To learn, you must also (inter)actively engage with the ideas being presented. This is where Perusall comes in. Here, you and your peers will work together to build your understanding of course concepts. You will ask and answer questions, clarify concepts, make connections, and extend the ideas beyond what is presented. By discussing the material in these ways, you will come to class better prepared to continue your learning. But, to do this, you must write substantive comments that permit others to understand your ideas. Improving the quality of your comments ====================================== This exercise, based on work by Phoebe Jackson, John Abbott College teacher and SALTISE Fellow, is meant to help you improve the *quality* of your comments, which, in turn, will improve your learning and raise your Perusall scores. Depending on how your instructor has structured your course, the score you receive for your engagement in Perusall may depend on: - the quality of the comments, questions, and answers that you post - how often you come back to the reading assignment - reading, watching, or listening to all of the material , not just part of it - how many reactions from others (replies, upvotes, etc.) your comment s trigger - helping others by upvoting good questions and helpful answers - completing any quizzes assigned In this exercise aimed at improving the quality of your comments, there are four tasks. The entire exercise will take about 30 minutes to complete. In this activity, you'll often see text highlighted in blue like this. That corresponds to a comment that the instructor has posted to guide you or ask you a question. Try clicking on the blue highlight above to read the associated comment. ::: {.footer} [](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College, [www.saltise.ca](http://www.saltise.ca) ::: []{#task1.xhtml} Task 1 ====== **Holistic description:** A *high-quality comment* provides evidence that you have read the text (or watched or listened to the content) and are trying to understand the key ideas. In doing so, your comment will also help others to do the same. Use this holistic description to select the most and least effective of the 3 student comments below. Justify your choices. ::: {.diagram} ::: {.text} Text ---- [Understanding social and personality development requires looking at children from three perspectives that interact to shape development. The first is the social context in which each child lives, especially the relationships that provide security, guidance, and knowledge.]{.sample-highlight} ::: ::: {.annotations} Comments -------- ::: {.annotation} ::: {.bubble-container} ::: {.avatar-container.left-avatar} ::: {data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: {.avatar.avatar-small.avatar-circle} [S1]{.avatar-initials.s1 data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: ::: ::: ::: {.bubble.comment.left-avatar data-tooltip="tooltip" data-original-title="" title=""} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[]{.fa.fa-2x.fa-question-circle data-aria-hidden="true"}](){.annotation-icon.question-icon} I like that this doesn\'t mention any type of relationship but rather just specific qualities of relationships. That\'s important since we are involved in a myriad of relationships, not just obvious ones like through our parents/friends. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: ::: ::: ::: {.annotation} ::: {.bubble-container} ::: {.avatar-container.left-avatar} ::: {data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: {.avatar.avatar-small.avatar-circle} [S2]{.avatar-initials.s2 data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: ::: ::: ::: {.bubble.comment.left-avatar data-tooltip="tooltip" data-original-title="" title=""} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[]{.fa.fa-2x.fa-question-circle data-aria-hidden="true"}](){.annotation-icon.question-icon} This is a very long-winded and overly complicated way of saying that your experiences influence who you become. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: ::: ::: ::: {.annotation} ::: {.bubble-container} ::: {.avatar-container.left-avatar} ::: {data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: {.avatar.avatar-small.avatar-circle} [S3]{.avatar-initials.s3 data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: ::: ::: ::: {.bubble.comment.left-avatar data-tooltip="tooltip" data-original-title="" title=""} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[]{.fa.fa-2x.fa-question-circle data-aria-hidden="true"}](){.annotation-icon.question-icon} Humans crave relationships with others. It is how we form our sense of self and identity - through the social roles and influences we experience throughout our lives. It would be difficult to study human development without also studying relationships. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: [1.1]{.number} Click on this text and indicate which of the above comments you think is the most effective and why. Refer to the above holistic description of a high-quality reading comment to explain why. [1.2]{.number} Click on this text and indicate which of the above comments you think is the least effective and why. Refer to the holistic description to explain why. ::: {.footer} [{.cc}](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College, [www.saltise.ca](http://www.saltise.ca) ::: []{#task2.xhtml} Task 2 ====== **Specific criteria:** *The holistic description of a high-quality comment will be met if you:* 1. Discuss one or more of the ideas to which your comment is connected (for example: elaborate on it, add new information, or ask a question that can stimulate more discussion). 2. Use terminology (vocabulary) from your field of study where appropriate. 3. Use full sentences with punctuation. ::: {.diagram} ::: {.text} Text ---- [Understanding social and personality development requires looking at children from three perspectives that interact to shape development. The first is the social context in which each child lives, especially the relationships that provide security, guidance, and knowledge.]{.sample-highlight} ::: ::: {.annotations} Comments -------- ::: {.annotation} ::: {.bubble-container} ::: {.avatar-container.left-avatar} ::: {data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: {.avatar.avatar-small.avatar-circle} [S1]{.avatar-initials.s1 data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: ::: ::: ::: {.bubble.comment.left-avatar data-tooltip="tooltip" data-original-title="" title=""} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[]{.fa.fa-2x.fa-question-circle data-aria-hidden="true"}](){.annotation-icon.question-icon} I like that this doesn\'t mention any type of relationship but rather just specific qualities of relationships. That\'s important since we are involved in a myriad of relationships, not just obvious ones like through our parents/friends. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: ::: ::: ::: {.annotation} ::: {.bubble-container} ::: {.avatar-container.left-avatar} ::: {data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: {.avatar.avatar-small.avatar-circle} [S2]{.avatar-initials.s2 data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: ::: ::: ::: {.bubble.comment.left-avatar data-tooltip="tooltip" data-original-title="" title=""} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[]{.fa.fa-2x.fa-question-circle data-aria-hidden="true"}](){.annotation-icon.question-icon} This is a very long-winded and overly complicated way of saying that your experiences influence who you become. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: ::: ::: ::: {.annotation} ::: {.bubble-container} ::: {.avatar-container.left-avatar} ::: {data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: {.avatar.avatar-small.avatar-circle} [S3]{.avatar-initials.s3 data-aria-hidden="true"} ::: ::: ::: ::: {.bubble.comment.left-avatar data-tooltip="tooltip" data-original-title="" title=""} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[]{.fa.fa-2x.fa-question-circle data-aria-hidden="true"}](){.annotation-icon.question-icon} Humans crave relationships with others. It is how we form our sense of self and identity - through the social roles and influences we experience throughout our lives. It would be difficult to study human development without also studying relationships. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: [2.1]{.number} Click on this text and indicate which comment you think **meets all three specific criteria** for a good comment. [2.2]{.number} Click on this text and indicate which comment you think **doesn't meet any of the specific criteria** for a good comment. [2.3]{.number} Finally, click here and compare your rankings here with your holistic assessments of the best and worst comments in Task 1. ::: {.footer} [](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College, [www.saltise.ca](http://www.saltise.ca) ::: []{#task3.xhtml} Task 3 ====== There are many forms a reading comment can take. One is *asking questions about the text* and another is *answering other students' questions*. These are elaborated on in the table below. Several other useful types of comments will be discussed later. Type How to write this type of comment High-quality examples by real students Ask a question State what you understand as well as what you don\'t. For example: "I understand\... but I don\'t understand\..." I [understand] that biology influences development (like with genetics), [but I don't understand] how biology affects human behavior. Does it have something to do with the brain? If possible, suggest answers to your question. [Is it really possible] for a baby to distinguish between different styles of caregiving? If so is there a reason that an infant is conscious of its care style? Maybe it is a survival instinct -- like they stay close to those that keep them alive. Answer a question Answer the question clearly and concisely. \@Arya, great question. Brain development IS biology (and neuroscience) -- and behavior is rooted in the brain. Therefore, behavior is related to biology. If the questioner has also proposed an answer, evaluate the answer, providing additional explanation. Hi \@Shawn -- I think you might be right that it is about survival. This reminds me of Harlow's monkeys -- the baby monkeys went to the "food mother" only when hungry and otherwise hung out with the softer "loving mother." Refer the questioner to another part of the text or provide a link to another helpful resource (e.g., a video) - but also provide an explanation in your own words. \@Shawn, we read about this earlier -- it all started with the monkeys -- see the part of our readings linked here. Comfort and security seem to be as important to survival (if not more) than food! Speak directly to the questioner (remembering that they are people too). For example, quote their name using the @ symbol and give a positive comment. (See above examples) [3.1]{.number} Use the table above to explain how the following "asking questions" type of comments could be improved. Click on each comment to submit your explanation, and then you'll be able to see how your classmates reacted to it. (You do not need to rewrite the comments, just list the required improvements.) 1. Comment: "What does biology have to do with behavior?" 2. Comment: "Here I understand that biology determines development (through genetics) but how does biology determine behavior?" [3.2]{.number} Now explain how the following "answering questions" type of comments could be improved. 1. Comment: "We read about this earlier -- it all started with the monkeys -- see the part of our readings linked here." 2. Comment: "\@Freja, your explanation makes perfect sense. I'd say you are not as confused as you think you are!" ::: {.footer} [{.cc}](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College, [www.saltise.ca](http://www.saltise.ca) ::: []{#task4.xhtml} Task 4 ====== Here are three more useful ways you can comment on the reading. Type How to write this type of comment High-quality examples Clarify Explain differently: - Find different/new ways of expressing an idea, don\'t just shuffle words around. Ok so this is saying that the reason that people compare themselves to others is that it helps them figure out their own identity. Summarize: - Restate the key ideas from a section of the text in your own words, leaving out the less important details So it seems that the main ideas here are that both friendships AND peer rejection are super important for identity development -- and likely mental health. Give additional useful info: - Provide info to help clarify what is meant, e.g. give missing info or extra examples As a society we\'ve gotten so caught up in comparison that many of us don\'t know how to simply take inspiration anymore; to look at someone, see a positive quality, and strive to attain that quality without reprimanding ourselves for not already having it. Connect Connect to another part of the text or another part of the course. With the increase in adolescent suicide rates that we learned about earlier this semester, I am wondering what role peer relationships have. Connect to other courses: - Remember to include concepts from the subject of the reading in this course. While reading about how friendships are so important for children, I am left wondering about schools and larger communities. In my sociology class we learned about how influential these systems are in creating societies, but not how they also determine (more or less) who we are friends with. Connect to your life: - Be sure to include evidence-based information. This makes so much sense to me. I was bullied as a kid but since I had some close friends I'd known since very young, the bullying didn't bother me as much as it would have without my friends backing me up. Supportive relationships can be protective for kids. Extend Take the ideas beyond what is expressed in the text or build on a classmate\'s ideas. - Give extra explanation or question going beyond what is discussed in the readings. - Get creative - imagine, wonder, and hypothesize. - Provide (credible) links to other resources. - Remember to stay grounded in the science of our field. As a society we\'ve gotten so caught up in comparison that many of us don\'t know how to simply take inspiration anymore; to look at someone, see a positive quality, and strive to attain that quality without reprimanding ourselves for not already having it. I wonder if the effects of this have gotten worse with social media being accessible at younger and younger ages. [4.1]{.number} Read the paragraph below and make 3 comments, one of each type discussed in the table above. To make a comment, simply highlight the text, type your comment, and press Enter to submit it. Indicate in your comment whether you are *clarifying*, *connecting*, or *extending*. The temptation to make erroneous cause-and-effect statements based on correlational research is not the only way we tend to misinterpret data. We also tend to make the mistake of illusory correlations, especially with unsystematic observations. Illusory correlations, or false correlations, occur when people believe that relationships exist between two things when no such relationship exists. One well-known illusory correlation is the supposed effect that the moon's phases have on human behavior. Many people passionately assert that human behavior is affected by the phase of the moon, and specifically, that people act strangely when the moon is full. There is no denying that the moon exerts a powerful influence on our planet. The ebb and flow of the ocean's tides are tightly tied to the gravitational forces of the moon. Many people believe, therefore, that it is logical that we are affected by the moon as well. After all, our bodies are largely made up of water. A meta-analysis of nearly 40 studies consistently demonstrated, however, that the relationship between the moon and our behavior does not exist (Rotton & Kelly, 1985). While we may pay more attention to odd behavior during the full phase of the moon, the rates of odd behavior remain constant throughout the lunar cycle. ([OpenStax Psychology 2e](https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology-2e)) ::: {.footer} [](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College, [www.saltise.ca](http://www.saltise.ca) ::: []{#takeaways.xhtml} Takeaways ========= When asking questions\... 1. State what you understand as well as what you don't 2. If possible, suggest answers to your question When answering questions\... 1. Answer clearly and concisely 2. If the help-seeker has also proposed an answer, evaluate the answer, providing additional explanation 3. Refer the help-seeker to another part of the text or provide a link, but also provide an explanation 4. Speak directly to the "asker," using the @ symbol and give a positive comment Three other ways of making your comments more substantive: Clarify: 1. Explain differently 2. Summarize 3. Give additional useful info Connect: 1. to another part of the text or the course 2. to other courses 3. to life in general Extend: 1. Go beyond what is in the course 2. Get creative -- imagine and hypothesize 3. Provide links to other resources Above all, engage in discussion and reveal your thought processes and arguments while remaining kind, polite, and respectful. ::: {.footer} [{.cc}](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) Adapted with permission from Alison Melley 2023, George Mason University,\ and Phoebe Jackson 2022, John Abbott College, [www.saltise.ca](http://www.saltise.ca) ::: []{#nav.xhtml} 1. [[Introduction](#intro.xhtml)]{#nav.xhtml#front} 2. [Task 1](#task1.xhtml) 3. [Task 2](#task2.xhtml) 4. [Task 3](#task3.xhtml) 5. [Task 4](#task4.xhtml) 6. [Takeaways](#takeaways.xhtml) Landmarks ========= 1. [Cover](#cover.xhtml)