Marika had a similar opinion to myself, in that the blogging assignment was something we weren't sure of at first, but started liking after we gave it a shot. Blogging was something we would not want to have missed out on; next year sophomores should be able to try it out. I thought her suggestion for being able to propose prompts was great, and could bring a new wave of excitement to the project.
Hey Marika!
You have a similar opinion to mine of this year's blogging experience. It came off as a little lame when I heard about it, but did form as a good self expression when implemented. You mention being able to suggest prompts? I love this idea but was wondering if you had any specifically in mind when you wrote this. Was there anything you wanted to write about or in a different style you didn't have a chance to?
Good job! - Alyssa Z
I also commented on Kate H's blog. I found her's extremely interesting, for my biggest disadvantage to the blogs was her favorite part. It made me wonder if there was any way to find a compromise, or other solution so those who want to be heard can, but those who don't will be happy. Her other points were otherwise similar to mine, which made the one difference stick out even more.
Kate -
Although we do agree that overall blogging was a good experience, and even that it took a little bit of a time to figure out a balance in pretty words and deep thinking (I put much more thought into the rhythm of my words than content at the beginning), we disagree when it comes to 'being heard.' That was one of the more negative aspects for me because I didn't want to come of as 'stupid' or unintelligent. I see your point, but do you have any suggestions that would meet both of us half way?
Great ideas -Alyssa
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Metacognition: Blogging
My generation’s diary. When Mr. Allen originally told us his plans for us to have our own blog, I thought it was slightly ridiculous (no offense). I don’t like to ‘write down my feelings’ or sit reflecting on one miniscule detail to death. I’m not sure if this is because I can second guess those ‘deep thoughts’ I have, and wouldn’t want to publicize them or perhaps because my mind can work on such a tangent, I’d be thinking of a different thought before I finished typing the first sentence. Although these worries dissipated some, it is still the first thing I would address if I were to present the blogs to a future academy class. This does not have to be some gushy spiel, the structure was as strict as you made it. The nice thing about the blogs was there was a format and guidelines to spark point of views and ideas, but it wasn’t a strict writing requirement. I had the freedom to take whichever direction the subject led me to taking. I think it is important to continue this formatting, allowing the blogging prompts, but the rest of each personal blog up to the writer. I think the overall ideas of the blog were good, and should be continued. It lets some of the quieter students show their understanding and insight to the teacher, and upon writing I have found myself reaching a higher apprehension of what happened. I’m not particularly found of my thinking or my blog, but have reached some interesting tid bits here and there which still makes me think this is a good idea. The issue I still struggle with is being able to have others read my blog, which is one of the better aspects as well. It’s a battle trusting myself to speak my opinion knowing anyone can read it, but it’s a privilege being able to read my truly gifted classmate’s blogs. What I keep circling back to, is making sure theirs a high level of comfort with being able to share your opinions.
*As a side note. The save now option for blogging has failed me multiple times. I would just briefly mention the idea of typing it out on a word document, then copy and pasting it to the blog.
*As a side note. The save now option for blogging has failed me multiple times. I would just briefly mention the idea of typing it out on a word document, then copy and pasting it to the blog.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Best of week: One can live
The last page of Life & Times of Michael K, ends with the phrase ‘one can live.’ Discussing the implications of this on the book and how it is as a closure was the best discussion I participated in this week.
I felt myself agreeing and looking at the same paragraph in multiple ways as different people expressed their opinions. One way to view it was dependant on how you defined ‘live.’ Live can be literal as in survival, or it can be along the lines of having a fulfilling life. It’s always a humbling fact to think about all the different ways something can be interpreted, and it can all be right. Discussions often involve a factor of this, and being able to come away with different conclusions but understanding the other point of view can be largely helpful in future negations and a career. This can indicate when to yield, and when to acknowledge someone else’s ideas and opinions. The point that I did not think of until someone mentioned it, was Michael providing for himself. He was dependant thoughout the book, starting with his dependence on his mother in part one. Eventually this evolves into Michael being able to sustain his own life, even leading others. Michael became a leader in this society, all symbolized by this one teaspoon and phrase.
I felt myself agreeing and looking at the same paragraph in multiple ways as different people expressed their opinions. One way to view it was dependant on how you defined ‘live.’ Live can be literal as in survival, or it can be along the lines of having a fulfilling life. It’s always a humbling fact to think about all the different ways something can be interpreted, and it can all be right. Discussions often involve a factor of this, and being able to come away with different conclusions but understanding the other point of view can be largely helpful in future negations and a career. This can indicate when to yield, and when to acknowledge someone else’s ideas and opinions. The point that I did not think of until someone mentioned it, was Michael providing for himself. He was dependant thoughout the book, starting with his dependence on his mother in part one. Eventually this evolves into Michael being able to sustain his own life, even leading others. Michael became a leader in this society, all symbolized by this one teaspoon and phrase.
360 degrees: Accountability
Bare with me in the few sentences I will disperse debate jargon unto you. Policy debate is a fast-paced, research based, activity that allows competition in an academic field. Certain rules, regulations, ethical values are expected and upheld in order for debate to survive and thrive. Recently there was a question of immorality of piece of evidence written by a debate coach. This is controversial because it is a rewarded skill to be able to research in debate, and ‘fabricating evidence’ means that you could write the perfect thing to say, ensuring your win. Who is responsible – the coach or the team? If it wasn’t used, does it still need repercussions?
One question I ask when it comes to accountability is was there any damage done? A potential for damage? Was the potential for damage damage in itself? The controversy over the potential damages of this article could get someone fired for an example. Should we then hold someone responsible if no harm was committed? How does someone draw the line in what needs repercussions and what even is an honest mistake. Do intentions ever calculate into punishment, or perception? What would be more punishable – someone with good intentions who accidently commits a felony, or a malicious line of thinking that was interrupted where they never committed an illegal act?
One question I ask when it comes to accountability is was there any damage done? A potential for damage? Was the potential for damage damage in itself? The controversy over the potential damages of this article could get someone fired for an example. Should we then hold someone responsible if no harm was committed? How does someone draw the line in what needs repercussions and what even is an honest mistake. Do intentions ever calculate into punishment, or perception? What would be more punishable – someone with good intentions who accidently commits a felony, or a malicious line of thinking that was interrupted where they never committed an illegal act?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Metacognition Take Two: Jane Eyre Writing Assignment
The Jane Eyre writing assignment was different, which simply meant there were some good things and bad, we wouldn’t have otherwise run into.
One thing that we should not have tried to do is complete 90% of the project the entire Wednesday we did not have school. It was one of the few options because of everyone’s schedule, but it did not make us very efficient when we tried to work. I thought it was nice, our method, because we alternated who typed on the computer, which may or may not have helped writers block. The third person (because we only had two laptops available) would overlook the others’ work, and help look for useful quotes and their page numbers. We had multiple quotes from what Mitchell and I found the Friday in lab we were given to work, but once we started writing, we realized there were certain quotes that would fit perfectly that we remembered. That really surprised me actually, that after awhile, this dialogue started writing itself in a way. It started out broad enough, each of us in our group not sure what we were planning on saying; however, we soon found we developed characters that had their own opinions and responses.
Over all I thought this project was an interesting change of pace from the drab old essays. Especially in a group project, it allowed different writers with different voices, produce a coherent piece. My writing sounds different from both Mitchell and Stephanie, which may mean I could write more Charlotte lines, while they wrote Jane and the Acadakid. This made it much easier to have equally divided work, come together as one, as opposed to one essay with three different writing styles alternating every two or so lines. The down side versus the alternative was the ending was much more difficult. The only way we end discussion in class in my mind, is when Mr.Allen is calling for the north kids to catch the bus. We couldn’t end like that, but we couldn’t end with a sappy cliché. That would have ruined all our work. We did our best to give some closure, while not allowing each character to lose their belief. I would have liked how to go over that part a little more during class, but in the end, it’s done and I’m pleased enough with it.
One thing that we should not have tried to do is complete 90% of the project the entire Wednesday we did not have school. It was one of the few options because of everyone’s schedule, but it did not make us very efficient when we tried to work. I thought it was nice, our method, because we alternated who typed on the computer, which may or may not have helped writers block. The third person (because we only had two laptops available) would overlook the others’ work, and help look for useful quotes and their page numbers. We had multiple quotes from what Mitchell and I found the Friday in lab we were given to work, but once we started writing, we realized there were certain quotes that would fit perfectly that we remembered. That really surprised me actually, that after awhile, this dialogue started writing itself in a way. It started out broad enough, each of us in our group not sure what we were planning on saying; however, we soon found we developed characters that had their own opinions and responses.
Over all I thought this project was an interesting change of pace from the drab old essays. Especially in a group project, it allowed different writers with different voices, produce a coherent piece. My writing sounds different from both Mitchell and Stephanie, which may mean I could write more Charlotte lines, while they wrote Jane and the Acadakid. This made it much easier to have equally divided work, come together as one, as opposed to one essay with three different writing styles alternating every two or so lines. The down side versus the alternative was the ending was much more difficult. The only way we end discussion in class in my mind, is when Mr.Allen is calling for the north kids to catch the bus. We couldn’t end like that, but we couldn’t end with a sappy cliché. That would have ruined all our work. We did our best to give some closure, while not allowing each character to lose their belief. I would have liked how to go over that part a little more during class, but in the end, it’s done and I’m pleased enough with it.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Metacognition: Short Stories
Beginning, Middle, End. What every short story, or even stories in general, require. Even my most beloved television show about nothing, Seinfeld, has a plot behind every story, a twist or absurdity from generic day to day life. My fear is this is what I’m lacking. I wanted to capture the awkwardness of life situations, such as an elevator ride, and provide just an alternative view on the emotions everyone feels. I find beauty in the stories that can suspend the readers predispositions; my attempt was to force the readers to not judge people, acknowledge the pain certain characters can feel, evoke empathy. I was involved in trying to create characters that I didn’t let any outside harm touch them. My story is stuck without much evolving pressure or situation to throw them off course, and frankly, I’m not sure how to do this to them at this point. What I would like, is to be able to not cling to what I have written. Where it stands for whatever reason I cannot open it up to be susceptible to an event. I’m surprised I would be so attached to certain aspects considering I do not like my story. I know the only way I will like it is to allow it to be changed in this way, I’m just in a predicament.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
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