Here we are ready to start the final week of the Summer Institute. Much time has been spent learning about the process, callibrating, and digging deeper. Yet, we are only at the beginning of the inquiry process. Illuminating a "problem", strength, or passion. Wondering. Narrowing. Finally, we must frame these what-ifs within a question. What better way to start this process then in an open forum for all to see and wonder with me?
Illuminating my problem...
I feel increasingly behind as technology revs up and pulls away from my understanding. I am behind my contemporaries (at best) and not even in the same universe as my students. It is time to catch up. Beyond this issue, the use of traditional journaling in my college course is waning. My students reflect little and write even less. More and more I am seeing a replay of the same few students write, reflect, and respond during classtime. Although others are writing, it is certainly not expansive. What to do?
Wonderings...
Technology is its own literacy, full of writing components. Through this, my students may connect more with in-class learning, extend ideas, and be more willing to question. They may also be more willing to work with traditional literacies (in-class reading and writing) if technology is part of the mix. Also, this will help validate tools for other educators to use in their own classrooms.
Narrowing...
Podcasts. Digital stories. Blogging. And I am quite sure that is only the beginning. So much to use and so little knowledge on my part. Blogs seem to be the most accessible place for me to start and also have my students interface with me. E-mail worked well last year, but did not allow for the rest of the class to read and respond. A blog will open up the forum.
Question???...
How will weekly blogging increase student response and reflection in a college arts class?
Reflection...
Not perfect, but it's a start. This blog is my first bit of research. Is it manageable? Will people respond/question/reflect? Is it even a viable teaching tool? We'll see.
Please join me in my inquiry wanderings. Feel free to post your own work and thought process on your question. Ask for help. Bounce ideas. Share some of your own research, frustrations, and "AH HA!" moments. We will continue this into the fall as a follow-up forum to extend the institute as well as support all of our wanderings. Thank you for being my ginny pigs! :)
Yes, someone has read it! Of course it has to be your mother. Oh well. You are a better person than I am to do this. It is daunting to me but I can see that it will be very useful in the fall with your students. Keep going.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mom!! Keep following and feel free to pass it on to all of our fabulous writing pals.
ReplyDelete