Notes

Bill: 6.29.11 Demo Lesson

2 Kinds of college writings:
reports

An ah ha moment: (we write)
'the light bulb goes off' connection to learning

"Standard American Written English"

5 paragraph essay - he discusses it (basic format: intro, body, conclusion)
difference b/t literal and applied

Intro: thesis (1 para) - poses a question
Body: they argue it well (define what well means) - support with experts and give examples
Traci Gardner: "Good writing assignments result in good writing. I've seen the ways...
"Write what you know" - Everyone

Question: How do I get them to write what they know wit a writing assignment that doesn't feel like a writing assignment? - By practicing the steps of 'a' process. Not 'the process' - just a process...

Objectives:

AP Piece: 186 kids took at least three times some even eight times (English class)

What he's up against: outline of instruction at Monroe Com. Coll.
- purpose
- units
- 2 textbooks - dropped one and stick with the one that doesn't work...
- cognitive
- performance (each stu. will... demo/practice: lots of standards)
- 3000 words or more in 5 compositions
- attitude
- they give him a 'grading guideline for essay assignments' (A, B, C, D) - they aren't aligned with his outline of instruction nor his textbook

Malcom Gladwell's book: The Outliers (quote)

NCTE #2 Belief: About teaching of writing

Qu: How can he get his students practicing writing a lot? (trick them)
- make a list of things you care a lot about or know a lot about...
technology
teaching
He shared quote: Peter Elbow ..."good writing somehow makes it into a work...

Qu: How can he make them go through a piece of writing without realizing it...

Quote: Kenneth Burke: "I discovered in my investigation of the etymology of the word, "transformation,"... Burke felt "transformation involves the ideas and imagery of identification...

- he reflects - are his students transferring knowledge

Can he tap into this? (all of our students have something to say and a language in which to say it)

Now select one of your topics:
- don't worry about format (just tell him about it for 3 minutes solid) in an email form

My writing: -
I enjoy technology because I have personally had a lot of fun creating products. I believe it is human nature to enjoy creating projects and products that are of interest to us. The Internet gives us such a perfect and powerful platform to produce such magic and develop such an ownership of as we become authentic via global connections and creating something tangible.
Not only can technology be fun and authentic and purposeful... it can also be helpful. Have you ever used MapQuest? Have you ever sent a electronic greeting card? Have you ever made a photo book to share?

He STOPS mid part - don't finish... now they have a place to start without being stuck...

You Connection:
- why did you choose it
- how do you feel about it
- what do you have to do with it

Now... make lists of each subtopic:

Why did you choose it?
because I know about it
I find it interesting - it's always changing and evolving
It amazes people
It pushes me and challenges me
How do you feel about it?
I enjoy it
I like that what use to frustrate me now encourages me
What do you have to do with it?
I create and share
I reflect
I research
I connect with others
I produce

Choose one thing from your list: write a personal reflection that defines that... give concrete examples (he shares personal examples of his own to jump start us) So, pick a You connection and don't worry about form... just write a narrative... (he gives us clues/prompts as some may be stuck or pausing)

I enjoy being able to overcome something I haven't been able to previously do or overcome. I remember when I only had one email account and I didn't know anything really about the Internet... for me, it was simple a place to send communications and look up information. Now, it is my comfort zone... I share through publishing work and writing journals or blog posts, I create family memories, I develop lessons for my students, I research strategies to improve my professional work, I connect with friends and bridge relationships with professionals, I am entertained by hands-on sites that allow me to come up with fun and beneficial products. Overall, the Internet is a virtual home for my cognition.

Boil Down Template: make a 'one sentence' summary
My passion for technology is not only based on the benefit it provides personally and professionally but also the enjoyment I receive from the interaction and ability to create and produce authentic work.

"This is our "working thesis" statement..."
Now we will adjust it...

We need it to make a claim or position... can you argue it...

Revised Thesis:
Technology is an essential skill individuals should embrace for it not only provides a benefit personally and professionally but also one receives enjoyment from the interaction and ability to create and produce authentic work.

Now... they're released to work on their drafts.
He passes around packets... we take top one and don't look yet...

Don't Peer Edit - rather, write a reflection...
- underline supporting points
- * what you wish to know more about
- draw a line through what doesn't belong

Now, they revise based on partner's reflection - and 'rinse and repeat'

Then, they evaluate lots of other's essays.

After Sunscreen: write a Boil Down Point
this is an introduction to 'applied thesis statements'
Life is ever evolving, be true to yourself and make each day count for you never know which will be your last, and realize you affect your own destiny.

Pick a controversial topic: ie: smoking... make 2 groups (for and against) then groups argue points

Take your boil down point and make it become your interesting title so there is cohesion...

He gives them quizzes and has them list everything they know...

He gets reflections at the end - in written composition...

*'A' students traditionally have a more difficult time in college English composition

Help them discover what they know...