Tuesday, September 16, 2008
In class criticism
I am pretty sure I have a clear understanding of most of the types of criticism. I am more confident in what I know/understand about feminist, historical, reader-response, and marxist criticism than I am the rest; however, that is most likely because I prefer those. Like I said, I am comfortable analyzing text using the criticism's; however, for in class assignments, I am not as comfortable writing. I do better when I can write/read out loud and in my own place. It's something I have to work on, but it still doesn't make things easier. Therefore, although it may not seem like I can write, I promise you I can. Just not in class, apparently! :)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Online Tutoring: Meshing The Old With The New
Online Tutoring. As a current tutor, I do not like online tutoring. I am not completely opposed to the idea, however, it without a doubt frustrates me.
For English 435, we were to read an article about this topic. After doing so, I found myself taking into consideration both sides of the issue, however, favoring the opposing side more. To me, instant messaging, texting, blogging, etc. takes away from face to face human interaction. I feel that if we, as a society, get too caught up in this advanced world of technology, we will loose people skills and in a way, self awareness. In the article, the text mentioned that with the distant form of communication, it is easier to open up to someone when you know that you won't be seeing them..." later (Carlson and Williams, 289-290). Although, I have felt this same feeling, in the Writing Center during online tutoring, it still does not help me out any. Someday, when I am a teacher, I am sure that I will have parents frustrated with me or the way I teach, but I do not forsee them instant messaging me about it! Though those kind-of conversations are and probably will be nerve racking and frustrating, I believe a person still has to be exposed to that kind of communication. Otherwise, I will not know how to confront or react to someone in person. After reading what I have already written on here, I am sure there are those of you who are not only calling me a hypocrite for "blogging" right now, but are also considering me far-fetched. And to tell you the truth, when it comes to blogging, texting, etc., I strongly dislike them all. I feel like if I want to talk to someone, I will call them. If I wish to write down my thoughts, I will write them by hand in my journal (just as I have always done).
On the other hand, I do feel like some of the things the article mentions are valid and informative. Things that I will take to heart. For instance, the idea that some students may feel more comfortable asking questions through distance tutoring, rather than face to face, is an interesting way to think about online tutoring. When working with a student face to face, I have found, he/she may simply nod, as if they understand when in all technicality they may not. So in this case, I can definitely see this method of tutoring beneficial. Online tutoring also can eliminate or at least minimize biases and judgments, if there are any.
This next idea, I thought, seemed to be a very cool way of looking at this subject. Many times, students need an idea of whom they're speaking to (their audience), but struggle in figuring that out. A possible solution or aid to this problem, according to the text, is that online communications can encourage students to imagine an ideal audience that often is not there (Carlson and Williams, 287).
Overall, I can see both sides of the argument, however, I still ride the fence on the issue. Most of the time (when tutoring online), I am more frustrated than anything else with this method, but then again, that could just be because most computers hate me and decide to ruin all efforts of trying to compromise!
For English 435, we were to read an article about this topic. After doing so, I found myself taking into consideration both sides of the issue, however, favoring the opposing side more. To me, instant messaging, texting, blogging, etc. takes away from face to face human interaction. I feel that if we, as a society, get too caught up in this advanced world of technology, we will loose people skills and in a way, self awareness. In the article, the text mentioned that with the distant form of communication, it is easier to open up to someone when you know that you won't be seeing them..." later (Carlson and Williams, 289-290). Although, I have felt this same feeling, in the Writing Center during online tutoring, it still does not help me out any. Someday, when I am a teacher, I am sure that I will have parents frustrated with me or the way I teach, but I do not forsee them instant messaging me about it! Though those kind-of conversations are and probably will be nerve racking and frustrating, I believe a person still has to be exposed to that kind of communication. Otherwise, I will not know how to confront or react to someone in person. After reading what I have already written on here, I am sure there are those of you who are not only calling me a hypocrite for "blogging" right now, but are also considering me far-fetched. And to tell you the truth, when it comes to blogging, texting, etc., I strongly dislike them all. I feel like if I want to talk to someone, I will call them. If I wish to write down my thoughts, I will write them by hand in my journal (just as I have always done).
On the other hand, I do feel like some of the things the article mentions are valid and informative. Things that I will take to heart. For instance, the idea that some students may feel more comfortable asking questions through distance tutoring, rather than face to face, is an interesting way to think about online tutoring. When working with a student face to face, I have found, he/she may simply nod, as if they understand when in all technicality they may not. So in this case, I can definitely see this method of tutoring beneficial. Online tutoring also can eliminate or at least minimize biases and judgments, if there are any.
This next idea, I thought, seemed to be a very cool way of looking at this subject. Many times, students need an idea of whom they're speaking to (their audience), but struggle in figuring that out. A possible solution or aid to this problem, according to the text, is that online communications can encourage students to imagine an ideal audience that often is not there (Carlson and Williams, 287).
Overall, I can see both sides of the argument, however, I still ride the fence on the issue. Most of the time (when tutoring online), I am more frustrated than anything else with this method, but then again, that could just be because most computers hate me and decide to ruin all efforts of trying to compromise!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Struggles and the Power of Positive Thinking
I'm not going to lie...I'm a bit nervous about leading discussion in English 435 for an hour. Even though I'm conducting it with another person, the anxiety has not gone away yet!
Aspiring to be an English teacher, I have always known hard-work and dedication is involved in creating lessons and teaching a class. However, until this assignment, I do not think I have experienced what it is like to sort-of teach a class. I mean, in Speech class (in high school), my peers and I were asked to present a speech for ten minutes and teach the class something (how to make cookies, etc.), however, this seems different. Though I read both chapters of my assignment, took pages of notes, and worked with Sarah on creating the outline for the discussion, I find myself scared of where the discussion will go. It is a crazy thing, because I love having class discussions; but it is one thing to be involved in the activity and quite another to lead it. It is like venturing into the unknown and trying to prepare yourself for the unexpected. In a perfect world, Sarah and I would ask questions to the class, listen to their responses, and be comfortable knowing that these answers will lead perfectly into what we've already prepared. However, this does not make discussions great! It also does not help me in my efforts to becomming a teacher. I plan to incorporate class discussion into my teaching method someday, so in all actuality, I should use this assignment as a great opportunity to practice! And I will, but when it comes to visualizing this opportunity as positive, it is easier said than done! Nevertheless, in fifteen minutes from now, Sarah and I's class discussion will begin! Ahh! :) I'm just joking, it will be great! ([background sound: chorus of angels] the power of positive thinking!).
Aspiring to be an English teacher, I have always known hard-work and dedication is involved in creating lessons and teaching a class. However, until this assignment, I do not think I have experienced what it is like to sort-of teach a class. I mean, in Speech class (in high school), my peers and I were asked to present a speech for ten minutes and teach the class something (how to make cookies, etc.), however, this seems different. Though I read both chapters of my assignment, took pages of notes, and worked with Sarah on creating the outline for the discussion, I find myself scared of where the discussion will go. It is a crazy thing, because I love having class discussions; but it is one thing to be involved in the activity and quite another to lead it. It is like venturing into the unknown and trying to prepare yourself for the unexpected. In a perfect world, Sarah and I would ask questions to the class, listen to their responses, and be comfortable knowing that these answers will lead perfectly into what we've already prepared. However, this does not make discussions great! It also does not help me in my efforts to becomming a teacher. I plan to incorporate class discussion into my teaching method someday, so in all actuality, I should use this assignment as a great opportunity to practice! And I will, but when it comes to visualizing this opportunity as positive, it is easier said than done! Nevertheless, in fifteen minutes from now, Sarah and I's class discussion will begin! Ahh! :) I'm just joking, it will be great! ([background sound: chorus of angels] the power of positive thinking!).
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Going undercover in the sandwich department!
For my ethnography assignment, I decided to go and observe in a location not many would consider: Lafallet's Courtside.
To be specific, I observed the area in the back of the room, where everyone contemplates, orders, and waits for sandwiches. Sometimes, one could wait up to fifteen minutes (or longer) for their sandwich. Because of this, I found it a perfect place to see people's reactions to others when their hunger started getting the best of them!
Oberservations:
-my role: customer, waiting on a sandwich
-2 wooden (park style) benches
-1 giant list of sandwiches, placed in front of the kitchen counter
-an invisible parameter (something that seems like the customers created, for non-social and out of the way reasons).
-workers in red shirts/hats
-kitchen (sandwich)counter purposefully placed next to chips and "REFRESHING" coke machines (clever, huh?!).
-two girls sitting next to me on bench (discussing how they have not drank pop in years...and yet, she had two bottles of coca-cola products on her tray). (Story referencing clever placement of coke machines next to sandwich counter!)
-signs hanging above counter: "pick up here," "order here"
-1 worker, very friendly with "Have a nice day" comments, always
-black, ridged, tile shaped rugs forming carpet
-customers shifting weight back and forth while waiting beside chip stand
-1 worker (the guy supposedly taking orders) playing with the notepad (flipping it around)
-1 worker (the guy handing out the sandwiches, yelling names, and saying "Have a nice day") playing with his fingers that are in rubber gloves.
-Customers (students): most dressed in just about every style one could imagine, but with backpacks as well. Some people in pajamas, athletic attire, layers, jeans (tight, lose, baggy, very baggy).
-The entrance doors: both open (inviting and functioning as air conditioners to cool the room)
-Most food racks: empty, massacred from lunch hours (I'm guessing)
-Smells: Chicken and Dumpling and Clam Chowder soup, Sandwiches (all kinds)
-Temp: Stuffy
-Time frame: 6:15-6:32
Reflection:
-Color pattern used in Courtside: black and red. Used because of the school colors, or to entice hunger (red)?
-Since, they were not as busy as I thought they would be, kitchen staff seemed extremely bored (hence, playing with hands and such); however, most food racks were still empty (possibly, becoming a perfect reason during the down time of the store to re-stock).
- Overall, the staff were very cordial and nice, even though business was starting to pick up.
-Intriguing: Body Language: When people are standing alone and waiting, they do not make eye contact with others very often. Instead they stare. If there are two or more people standing together, conversations were always going and things were more laid back for them. I loved watching how people waited for their food though. Some people rocked back and forth, others stared at the chip rack for ten minutes straight acting like they were deep in thought, and still there were others who did the occasional nod and smile when people did catch them looking, etc.
Overall, this was a fun assignment. Also, I managed to get two things accomplished at one time: I did my homework and got something to eat for dinner (otherwise known as, "multi-tasking")!
To be specific, I observed the area in the back of the room, where everyone contemplates, orders, and waits for sandwiches. Sometimes, one could wait up to fifteen minutes (or longer) for their sandwich. Because of this, I found it a perfect place to see people's reactions to others when their hunger started getting the best of them!
Oberservations:
-my role: customer, waiting on a sandwich
-2 wooden (park style) benches
-1 giant list of sandwiches, placed in front of the kitchen counter
-an invisible parameter (something that seems like the customers created, for non-social and out of the way reasons).
-workers in red shirts/hats
-kitchen (sandwich)counter purposefully placed next to chips and "REFRESHING" coke machines (clever, huh?!).
-two girls sitting next to me on bench (discussing how they have not drank pop in years...and yet, she had two bottles of coca-cola products on her tray). (Story referencing clever placement of coke machines next to sandwich counter!)
-signs hanging above counter: "pick up here," "order here"
-1 worker, very friendly with "Have a nice day" comments, always
-black, ridged, tile shaped rugs forming carpet
-customers shifting weight back and forth while waiting beside chip stand
-1 worker (the guy supposedly taking orders) playing with the notepad (flipping it around)
-1 worker (the guy handing out the sandwiches, yelling names, and saying "Have a nice day") playing with his fingers that are in rubber gloves.
-Customers (students): most dressed in just about every style one could imagine, but with backpacks as well. Some people in pajamas, athletic attire, layers, jeans (tight, lose, baggy, very baggy).
-The entrance doors: both open (inviting and functioning as air conditioners to cool the room)
-Most food racks: empty, massacred from lunch hours (I'm guessing)
-Smells: Chicken and Dumpling and Clam Chowder soup, Sandwiches (all kinds)
-Temp: Stuffy
-Time frame: 6:15-6:32
Reflection:
-Color pattern used in Courtside: black and red. Used because of the school colors, or to entice hunger (red)?
-Since, they were not as busy as I thought they would be, kitchen staff seemed extremely bored (hence, playing with hands and such); however, most food racks were still empty (possibly, becoming a perfect reason during the down time of the store to re-stock).
- Overall, the staff were very cordial and nice, even though business was starting to pick up.
-Intriguing: Body Language: When people are standing alone and waiting, they do not make eye contact with others very often. Instead they stare. If there are two or more people standing together, conversations were always going and things were more laid back for them. I loved watching how people waited for their food though. Some people rocked back and forth, others stared at the chip rack for ten minutes straight acting like they were deep in thought, and still there were others who did the occasional nod and smile when people did catch them looking, etc.
Overall, this was a fun assignment. Also, I managed to get two things accomplished at one time: I did my homework and got something to eat for dinner (otherwise known as, "multi-tasking")!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Procrastination!!!! AHH!
Well, after receiving grades today, it seems that I have been slacking more than I thought! I'm an awful blogger!
Anyway, to move onto a more productive blog: peer reviews weren't too bad today! It's nice to know that there are others who do not have theirs done. What's funny though is that the paper that I critiqued, the paper that I haven't critiqued yet, and my own paper have all centered around procrastination/procrastinators. There is a definitely a trend here! Because of this I quickly did an investigation to see how many college students procrastinate. From two different cites, I found that researchers estimate around 90% of college students procrastinate. Crazy, huh? Are you a part of this number? Though the number seems somewhat high to me, I can without a doubt relate to those who are in this category. For instance, instead of writing a couple of papers that are due this week, I am writing about procrastination right now!
Also, I understand that when blogging we are to be writing about things relative to English and this blog seems to be getting away from that. However, I beg to differ about the subject of this blog. Perhaps, if more people had some tips to work around this problem, they might manage tasks more efficiently (highly unlikely, seeing as most people are already set in their ways, but nevertheless, some strategies could be helpful). Here we go, if you are a procrastinator keep reading for helpful tips/strategies.
Time management:
Look ahead and use your time wisely and efficiently. To many of us, getting started on homework assignments is the worst. We put it off, until the night or hour before the due date. To avoid this, try making lists of what is due first, what will take the most time, and how much time you have to do it. Once your planner is finished, dive in!
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Break time:
By using your time wisely, allow yourself breaks now and then. Get an idea of what you want to accomplish and then reward yourself with a break or something different to step away to. For me, cooking or listening to music (or both) can do the trick!
Avoid emailing and phone calls, unless necessary too! This is an awful habit as college students!
Well, I have procrastinated long enough! Now that I have taken my break, I think I'll go back to writing my English 435 paper! :)
Anyway, to move onto a more productive blog: peer reviews weren't too bad today! It's nice to know that there are others who do not have theirs done. What's funny though is that the paper that I critiqued, the paper that I haven't critiqued yet, and my own paper have all centered around procrastination/procrastinators. There is a definitely a trend here! Because of this I quickly did an investigation to see how many college students procrastinate. From two different cites, I found that researchers estimate around 90% of college students procrastinate. Crazy, huh? Are you a part of this number? Though the number seems somewhat high to me, I can without a doubt relate to those who are in this category. For instance, instead of writing a couple of papers that are due this week, I am writing about procrastination right now!
Also, I understand that when blogging we are to be writing about things relative to English and this blog seems to be getting away from that. However, I beg to differ about the subject of this blog. Perhaps, if more people had some tips to work around this problem, they might manage tasks more efficiently (highly unlikely, seeing as most people are already set in their ways, but nevertheless, some strategies could be helpful). Here we go, if you are a procrastinator keep reading for helpful tips/strategies.
Time management:
Look ahead and use your time wisely and efficiently. To many of us, getting started on homework assignments is the worst. We put it off, until the night or hour before the due date. To avoid this, try making lists of what is due first, what will take the most time, and how much time you have to do it. Once your planner is finished, dive in!
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Break time:
By using your time wisely, allow yourself breaks now and then. Get an idea of what you want to accomplish and then reward yourself with a break or something different to step away to. For me, cooking or listening to music (or both) can do the trick!
Avoid emailing and phone calls, unless necessary too! This is an awful habit as college students!
Well, I have procrastinated long enough! Now that I have taken my break, I think I'll go back to writing my English 435 paper! :)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Bogged-down syndrome setting in. Mid-semester anxiety.
While reading the article Nikki handed out last week for tutors at the Writing Center, I couldn't think straight. It was discussing the the avoidance of appropriation when working with ESL students; however, by the time I got half-way through it, I had already checked out. Lately, I've been getting really bogged down with school and my major as well. Because of this, I go back and forth questioning if I'm doing the right thing with my life. Meaning, should I become an English teacher or not? I feel like I'm trying my hardest but I'm not getting any where. I know that it takes time and patience but sometimes I feel in this major that I'm not qualified to teach students.
Travis is starting to teach now and Jenn is already out there. These two people alone, have put "teaching" into perspective for me lately. It's not that I don't have a desire to teach or help people. In fact, it is the farthest thing from that. Instead, I worry that I will stand in front of a classroom someday and when a student asks me a question regarding grammar or simply why something is the way it is, I won't have an answer for them. Or a straight forward and easy response at least. Anyway, while reading the article about ESL students my mind raced back and forth. Part of me thought of the different students that come into the Writing Center and walk away with some form of knowledge that I taught them and then the other side of me thinks, AHHHH!! What will you do when you're standing in front of twenty different faces asking a million questions? These are the sort of things that went through my head last night.
Like everyone else I hope, I only wanted to talk to someone who I knew would remind me of why I am here. Why I am pursuing this career that has always called out to me, but is a lot harder than many people see or give credit to. So in light of all of this I called my Mom. Hm. No laughing please! As I told her everything that was going through my mind, especially in regard to the not knowing everything someday, she replied, "Whitney, some of the best teachers are the ones that can admit that they don't know everything." And of course, this small but large statement seemed just like something she would say. So optimistic and such that I sort-of blew it off and said "yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, BUT..." And in reality, she's right. As I was telling her everything that was going through my mind...she acted just like a mirror (like what we are suppose to do in tutoring :).) and as funny as that is, she reminded me of why I am pursuing this lifestyle. Why I chose a long time ago to help people and try changing the world! I'm sure all of this sounds corny and quite honestly I can't believe I'm telling whomever (is that right, whomever? I don't know.) all of this, but since I have been slacking on writing these blogs...then hey, why not? HA!
Anyway, I guess I have a few last comments and concerns. To whoever is teaching already, were and/or are you concerned about the same things I am? Not knowing all the technical terms and such? Not being able to run with Grammar Snobs, Language Elitists, etc.? To whoever is not teaching yet and is possibly in the same boat that I am in, do you think I'm crazy? HA! Just joking, I hope you don't think I'm crazy...if so, eh! Whatever the responses are, it is nice to hear from others point of view. It is also nice to have someone around who can remind you of what you're doing and pick you back up out of the stressed-out nightmare and put you back on your feet. Yesterday, that person was my Mom. So thanks mom! You see, you can still help me even when I'm at college! :)
Good times are coming! I just have to be patient enough to actually prove myself! Until then, bring on my punctuation rules, ESL tutoring tactics, and whatever else!
Travis is starting to teach now and Jenn is already out there. These two people alone, have put "teaching" into perspective for me lately. It's not that I don't have a desire to teach or help people. In fact, it is the farthest thing from that. Instead, I worry that I will stand in front of a classroom someday and when a student asks me a question regarding grammar or simply why something is the way it is, I won't have an answer for them. Or a straight forward and easy response at least. Anyway, while reading the article about ESL students my mind raced back and forth. Part of me thought of the different students that come into the Writing Center and walk away with some form of knowledge that I taught them and then the other side of me thinks, AHHHH!! What will you do when you're standing in front of twenty different faces asking a million questions? These are the sort of things that went through my head last night.
Like everyone else I hope, I only wanted to talk to someone who I knew would remind me of why I am here. Why I am pursuing this career that has always called out to me, but is a lot harder than many people see or give credit to. So in light of all of this I called my Mom. Hm. No laughing please! As I told her everything that was going through my mind, especially in regard to the not knowing everything someday, she replied, "Whitney, some of the best teachers are the ones that can admit that they don't know everything." And of course, this small but large statement seemed just like something she would say. So optimistic and such that I sort-of blew it off and said "yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, BUT..." And in reality, she's right. As I was telling her everything that was going through my mind...she acted just like a mirror (like what we are suppose to do in tutoring :).) and as funny as that is, she reminded me of why I am pursuing this lifestyle. Why I chose a long time ago to help people and try changing the world! I'm sure all of this sounds corny and quite honestly I can't believe I'm telling whomever (is that right, whomever? I don't know.) all of this, but since I have been slacking on writing these blogs...then hey, why not? HA!
Anyway, I guess I have a few last comments and concerns. To whoever is teaching already, were and/or are you concerned about the same things I am? Not knowing all the technical terms and such? Not being able to run with Grammar Snobs, Language Elitists, etc.? To whoever is not teaching yet and is possibly in the same boat that I am in, do you think I'm crazy? HA! Just joking, I hope you don't think I'm crazy...if so, eh! Whatever the responses are, it is nice to hear from others point of view. It is also nice to have someone around who can remind you of what you're doing and pick you back up out of the stressed-out nightmare and put you back on your feet. Yesterday, that person was my Mom. So thanks mom! You see, you can still help me even when I'm at college! :)
Good times are coming! I just have to be patient enough to actually prove myself! Until then, bring on my punctuation rules, ESL tutoring tactics, and whatever else!
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