Parsha Review Criteria

Each of the following areas will be graded on a scale of 0-3:
- 0= Does not relate to item at all 
- 1= Relates to the "what" in a vague and superficial manner. Does not demonstrate clear understanding through specific examples. Does not demonstrate critical thinking through thoughtful reflection (reponding to the italicized questions). 
- 2= Demonstrates clear understanding with a thorough response and reference to specific examples when applicable. Demonstrates some critical thinking with quick responses to the reflective questions that do not demonstrate independant thought and/or creativity. 
- 3= Demonstrates critical thinking through clear, sophisticated responses that site specific examples when applicable and demonstrates independant thought and creativity. 

1) Questions/Issues:
- What are the questions (on a particular text or generally relating to the topic) or problems that the shiur is attempting to deal with? What text is the shiur trying to explain?
- How strong do you think the questions or problem is? Why? Does the question or problem spur your interest in reading through the shiur? Why or why not?

2) Summary/Main Ideas and Evidence:
- What is the main idea/point that the author is making? How does he solve his problem? If there are alternate approaches, how would you summarize each of them?
- What, if any, evidence does the author use to prove his point?
- How compelling is the argument? Does sufficieintly deal with the issue or solve the problem? What alternative approaches might you have suggessted?
- Is the conclusion warranted based on the evidence? What other evidence could you bring to support the author's arguement? Can you think of any other evidence that seems to negate the argument?

3) Relevance/Messages:
- What, if any, are the message/s we are supposed to learn from the shiur/commentary? Does it give us a better appreciation of something? What? How?
- What audience might the message be relevant for? Could it be meaningful to high school students? Why or why not?

4) Overall Review:
Would you consider this a "good" shiur? Did you find the shiur/commentary interesting? Why or why not?
Would you share it at your shabbos table? Why or why not?