Friday, February 22, 2013

The Precis

Here's a link on how to write a precis.  And here's a sample one.

This is a tool I use in my class when a good deal of new information needs to be communicated through the writings of different authors.  I want to make sure the students are 1. doing their readings, 2. comprehending the articles, 3. able to contribute well to class discussions on the material.

Students are also able to synthesize the ideas from different authors/change agents into something from their own minds.

I often ask the students to write a precis for each reading and include a short one paragraph reflection of the group of articles at the end of their submission.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

OPENing Development

Sanjay Pradhan, native of Bihar, India, talks about how global south to south idea inspiration is changing the accountability of development and governance through technology ultimately creating a voice for the underserved in many communities.  This is a clear balance to the north-south 'traditional' development practices championed by the Brettonwoods institutions over the last 60+ years.