How do the main ideas go together or connect?
This year I have decided to go slow to go fast in my classes, and especially in AP Lit. We have shared ideas regarding reading, writing, and critical thinking in ways that builds a foundation for the rest of the year. To that end, we shared the meaningful connections between how writers need to read and readers need to write. The process is interconnected and impacts our views as participatory members encountering art.
To further the discussion we watched Shaped by Writing: The Freshman Experience to hear about the challenges faced by students once they reach post-secondary education. The short video makes clear that we all have to work on our writing, no matter how accomplished we are as writers. The process is never ending and always evolving. I've compared the practice to exercising. We know that we are accomplishing something -- whether we like it or not -- because we experience a bit of pain along the way. Learning works the same way. If we are to grow as learners, then we need to continue to push ourselves past where we're comfortable.
The same should be said for teachers. We, too, need to continue to move forward in our practice if we are to improve. I know this and have practiced this, but it doesn't mean the work comes easy. It never does. This year I find myself taking more time with the technology aspect of class, because I want to avoid confusion for students. Next week we will need to get down to the regularly scheduled programming. Previous years have taught me it is better to get down to the practices that work in the classroom than to hem and haw my way through.
That said, I am excited for the learning that will occur this year. My students teach me an awful lot about what it means to be an educator and, if I listen intently, I, too, will grow.
This year I have decided to go slow to go fast in my classes, and especially in AP Lit. We have shared ideas regarding reading, writing, and critical thinking in ways that builds a foundation for the rest of the year. To that end, we shared the meaningful connections between how writers need to read and readers need to write. The process is interconnected and impacts our views as participatory members encountering art.
To further the discussion we watched Shaped by Writing: The Freshman Experience to hear about the challenges faced by students once they reach post-secondary education. The short video makes clear that we all have to work on our writing, no matter how accomplished we are as writers. The process is never ending and always evolving. I've compared the practice to exercising. We know that we are accomplishing something -- whether we like it or not -- because we experience a bit of pain along the way. Learning works the same way. If we are to grow as learners, then we need to continue to push ourselves past where we're comfortable.
The same should be said for teachers. We, too, need to continue to move forward in our practice if we are to improve. I know this and have practiced this, but it doesn't mean the work comes easy. It never does. This year I find myself taking more time with the technology aspect of class, because I want to avoid confusion for students. Next week we will need to get down to the regularly scheduled programming. Previous years have taught me it is better to get down to the practices that work in the classroom than to hem and haw my way through.
That said, I am excited for the learning that will occur this year. My students teach me an awful lot about what it means to be an educator and, if I listen intently, I, too, will grow.