Blogging Around: Metacognitions

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

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.

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.

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?