Oh, Yeah?!: Putting Argument to Work Both in School and Out

by Michael W. Smith, Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, James E. Fredricksen

Because everything is an argument ""In this book, we'll argue that you can teach the writing of argument so that students will not only exceed the Common Core State Standards, but also be prepared for a future as students and citizens."" -Michael Smith, Jeffrey Wilhelm, and James Fredricksen The Common Core State Standards are an argument that "students' ability to write sound arguments on substantive topics and issues . . . is critical to college and career readiness." This book is an argument. "Oh, Yeah?! "will persuade you that it is an ideal resource for helping you teach argument writing to adolescents. And not just any arguments, but the kinds of substantive ones the real-world demands. "We believe," write Michael Smith, Jeffrey Wilhelm, and James Fredricksen, "that instruction directed to improve student performance on standards-based assessments MUST be the most powerful and engaging instruction we can possibly offer." To that end they fill "Oh, Yeah?!" with proven lessons for writing, reading, and discussing arguments that you can use right now. In addition, they provide ideas for how to create instructional contexts that maximize the power of those lessons through a compelling framework that will help you create your own lessons and units in the future. Life may be a series of arguments, but your decision about how to teach argument writing needn't be complicated. Trust Smith, Wilhelm, and Fredricksen, use "Oh, Yeah?! "in your classroom, and give students an argument for meeting-and exceeding-the Common Core standards.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Michael W. Smith is Professor of Literacy Education, College of Education, Temple University.
- Ph.D. University of Chicago. Special Field: Curriculum and Instruction.
- M.A.T. University of Chicago. Major Emphases: English and Education
- B.A. University of Chicago. Major: English

Reviews

[BookChampions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be one of the worst book titles out there, but it's a fantastic book. When paired with Hillocks' book Teaching Argument, I think there is no better way for English teachers today to start thinking about what it means to teach argument. I'm really glad I decided to read this one, originally fearing it would have too much unnecessary overlap. Well worth the time spent.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only had the chance to read parts of this, so I can't give a complete review, but generally was not impressed enough to buy it for myself. It is very good for helping people rethink what argument is, but didn't give me enough practical application ideas for me to have patience with it.

[Elizabeth Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing resource of lessons scaffolded and theory

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claim: “Oh Yeah” is a valuable tool for teachers of any content area who want to improve their teaching of argument.

Data (What Makes You Say So?):
• The authors are education research rock stars.
• Chapters of explanation and chapters of practical, class-ready activities
• Wide margins that welcome notes and ideas
• Strong, explicit ties to the CCSS
• After implementing ideas from this book, my students’ argumentation skills improved
• It’s a lot of information in a little space—no fluff

Warrant (So What?):
• Teachers can’t afford to waste time on things like subpar research, unusable information, wordy and preachy manuals, or ideas that aren’t tested.

The book is super basic, but highly adaptable for any grade level, though it’s geared toward 6-12. If you’re uncomfortable with the CCSS focus on argumentation over persuasion, this book will help. If you’re unsure about one element of argument (as I was with warranting), then this book will help. It’s not going to plan your units for you, but it provides the tools and enough ideas to get you off to a strong start.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff is one of my favorite authors and presenters for secondary language arts teachers and the common core. This is one of his latest books on argument and it does not disappoint. I am a true fan of his work and privileged to be learning from his brilliance! I highly recommend this to secondary teachers of any content.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'd rate this a 4.5 if that option were there. Lots of really good information about teaching argument effectively in here. Sometimes almost too much. I felt a little rushed, pressured, pushed. . . hmmm. Maybe that was the argument???

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a standalone piece, this book would be amazing. However, having read (and extensively used) "Get It Done!" from this series, the amount of repeat information felt a little underwhelming. Still a great tool for teaching.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, great book to help teachers think about the value of argument and how to teach it. Excellent teacher read! Great job Jim, Michael and Jeff!

[Jill Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

It changed my thoughts on how to approach argument in the classroom.