Portfolio

Throughout the year in English 333 we have read a number of books/articles pertaining to the teaching of writing. Often times, the reading contained similar information and teaching suggestions. It was nice to see that important aspects were stated in various ways throughout multiple different texts.

One of the aspects that I felt was particularly important for me to take away with this class was allowing my future students to choose their own topics for writing assignments. This aspect of writing showed up in all of my assigned articles as well as the Harvey book. As I look back on my own student experiences, the writing assignments in which I wrote about something I care about are the ones that I still remember. By allowing my future students to choose topics, I feel that the writing element I am trying to teach will stay with them for the long run, rather than simple produce a work and forget it the moment they walk out the door.

Another aspect that was continually intertwined within both Harvey’s book and the articles was being a model for your students. However I do feel that you have to act as a model very carefully. As a teacher, you need to do assignments with your students so they can see the process. In doing the assignment you will have a chance to experience the same struggles and triumphs your students go through. As Alli and I sat down to do our Writing Sequence we started discussing the element of modeling. We feel that it is important to do the assignments WITH your students but you have to be careful when actually showing them a model of work. There is a large difference between these two. As we created our own model of the Sequence Assignment (our nugget) we talked about how often times when teachers show a model of the assignment, you end up getting 25 very similar copies. I feel that often times when showing a model of an assignment beforehand, it hinders the student’s creativity. For this reason I feel that it is important to do it ALONG with your students. And in cases where a model needs to be shown beforehand, perhaps showing multiple ideas, will allow the students to remain creative.

I reading the books and articles I have accumulated numerous ideas for future assignments as well as new ideas in my own reading and writing. Also, today while listening to other students Sequence Assignments I jotted down some ideas that I would like the chance to use with my future students.