As a teacher, I would have to say that the three most important concepts in composition are these: (1) the writer is able to communicate his thoughts or beliefs to the reader, (2) the writer communicates in such a way so that he/she is as effective as possible, and (3) the writer follows a process to make that communication happen.
To me, writing is not really therapy. I know many people who use it as such, but I don't personally like to use writing for that. I want my students to be able to be successful in the classroom and later in life, so I try to concentrate on making them see the importance of writing clear, concise prose that is relatively error free. I also like to look at ways of communication and how students can use different approaches and ways of writing to their advantage.
I learned the hard way that the vast majority of students need a specific process to follow to write effectively. While the process I use may not be exactly the same as I teach (because it works for me), the more traditional approach--prewriting, writing, revising, editing--seems to work best for my students.
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Here's my welcome.
Welcome to my blog. I like to read (a lot. Seriously, I'm a incessant reader, in the bathroom, while cooking, ironing, watching tv, exercising, in any waiting room, airport, doctor's office, and in the car--but not while driving.).
I collect illustrated gift books from the Edwardian era. I golf, crochet, and cook, the first one badly, and the last two pretty well.
I've been an English teacher for thirteen years. Some of my favorite classes taught were Mythology and Creative Writing.
I'm working on my doctorate while I'm still young enough to remember where I put the car keys.
I collect illustrated gift books from the Edwardian era. I golf, crochet, and cook, the first one badly, and the last two pretty well.
I've been an English teacher for thirteen years. Some of my favorite classes taught were Mythology and Creative Writing.
I'm working on my doctorate while I'm still young enough to remember where I put the car keys.
My Favorite Web Sites
A Favorite Illustration
Blog Archive
Taco Soup Recipe
2 lbs. hamburger and one onion, browned
2 lbs. velveeta
2 cans rotel tomatoes
2 cans beans, drained (your choice)
2 cans chili with no beans
2 cans crushed tomatoes
Place everything in a large crockpot and cook until melted, 1-2 hours on high. Serve with corn chips.
2 lbs. velveeta
2 cans rotel tomatoes
2 cans beans, drained (your choice)
2 cans chili with no beans
2 cans crushed tomatoes
Place everything in a large crockpot and cook until melted, 1-2 hours on high. Serve with corn chips.
Me at Tintagel
About Me
- Friends University English Club
- As searchers and learners, we support curiosity and research, and assign great value to diversity of experience. As people who value such diversity and openness, we approach new situations and people with good will and humility. We believe in equity and in the dignity of all people.
3 comments:
One thing that stood out to me was your emphasis on really making sure that students know the benefits of "writing clear, concise prose." This is something I would incorporate into my own teaching philosophy. Since so much of composition teaching today focuses on interdisciplinary studies, students will no doubt question the diversity of 1301 curriculum. I think there is a lot of value in demonstrating to students how necessary concise prose is to their practical futures. This seems a great way to rein in students who see English and writing as an exercise in futility and as something totally worthless to their ability to succeed at their chosen profession.
Your statement is so clear and practical to students. I think you have enough experience to teach composition. The readability is very important between the reader and the writer. If the intent of the writer were not delievered into the reader well, that writing could make misunderstanding. Therefore, I think your first statement is a very insightful point.
Have a nice day!
Seongeun
I agree with your very pragmatic process. Generally, society is much more genteel to those that can write. Making students understand that message is something that your traditional approach would help impart (and I value your experience in the classroom).
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