Closing Out Day #2

Sitting in the cool shade with Bobbi and Brian for the interviews this afternoon made me understand better how important "dialogue" is as an aspect of reflexivity. As we smiled and shared and learned about each other, we relaxed into the ebb and flow of encountering the other as we reencountered ourselves. Except for the frantic notetaking, it was like we floated into an experience that effortlessly enriched all of us. Knowing that Brian will leave here to cut hay until dark, I hope he can take some of that cool peace with him into a hot and thirsty evening. Bobbi and Brian, thanks for a fine hour.

One last thought about the reading---I loved what Donna Qualley saidf on p. 67. "...the truly essayistic mind will more than likely not come out firmly on a 'side' at all; rather, it will come out with a more complex understanding of all sides including (hopefully) its own." Wow. This to me is a spiritual awareness---Buddhist mindfullness, Christian compassion---something beyond limitations. Cool.

Big ah-ha and big whoops

I feel a lot better about essayistic writing (Qualley's version) after our discussion after lunch. I don't know why, but I was under the impression that Qualley detested more traditional styles of writing. I couldn't wrap my head around throwing everything I knew out the window for the more reflexive version. The idea of a continuum helped me understand that there is a place for both styles of writing, and depending on the objective of your lesson, the same writing genre could be at different ends of the spectrum. They also can have a symbiotic relationship, as Don pointed out in the example he uses in his classroom. Having one umbrella assignment (research) that is broken up into traditional and writing to learn assignments offers students a wide range of what they must be proficient in, whether it's for a state test or for their own critical development. Working with elementary students who have learning and cognitive disabilities, I would like to see research or essays on teaching this population to think critically. I wonder if there are additional or modified strategies.

My whoops moment: Robin helped me figure out that the biography assignment will be about THE OTHER person, not ourselves. Should I blame my spacey-ness on the fans, on pregnancy brain, or on reflexivity?

Traditional Writing -v- Essayistic Writing

I must say that when I read Qualley's book I wondered where the traditional writing fit in? Should I still teach it? Should I combine traditional and essayistic writing together? Are they completely separate? After our discussion today, and please correct me if I'm wrong or if you have something to add, traditional and essayistic forms of writing are both necessary for the development of a well-rounded, educated, ever-searcher of knowledge individual. It's not enough for me to simply focus on one or the other. I think the best practice is showing the connection of both forms in one topic of writing. Writing is a process that should move in and out of formal and informal, objective and subjective, and reflective and reflexive...the writing process should never end. You should never think you've got a finished product.

One thing I WILL put more emphasis on in my classroom is this wonderful idea of searching for knowledge--in text, others, world, and self. So much is left undiscovered by not taking this walk. Exploration is vital to real learning.

Hey Debra N !

I appreciated your comments today about the students in your classes here. I'm drafting a course description for my A.P. English/Language course, which I'll have to submit to the folks at the college board, so I'm always mindful that the course should anticipate the kinds of experiences students would have at the college freshman level. You gave me a useful gage today.

Thank you Tonya

Really needed such a good example of Tonya's for reflective and relexive writing in her demo this morning. I am continously looking for examples although these 2 concepts are becoming clearer. Thank you, Tonya.
PS Another example of how a great piece of literature is so relevant to today's society.

paper to screen

I only like screen to screen - I don't like writing by hand -ever...

Thoughts of the Day

I was glad to get to work on the narratives this morning. Over the years, I have become more proficient at typing than I have at physically writing. Is this laziness? I don't think so. Typing actually allows me to be more creative because I can edit on the spot and play around with different word choices, thoughts, etc.

Tonya's lesson was great as well because she not only gave us a good writing application idea, but also made a connection that is life related. Relating to life is a vital part of the educational experience not only for our students but for us as well.

As for this afternoon's discussion, I believe we have a lot of passionate people in this group. Our different ideas, perspectives, and practices challenges each of us and will make us better people - better teachers. Driving home today will be a challenge as I process this information. (By the time I get home, I'll be ready to crash!)

Finally, I thought the conversation time with my partner, Anna, was tremendous. It always amazes me how much two strangers can have in common. Writing about her life will be fun and I hope I can do her justice.