Writing for Life Learning

   During the first class, when asked if we were writers or not, I labeled myself as not a writer. Even though I am on social media daily and write emails and Facebook posts for work, I did not consider that under the category of "writer". I would like to become a more prolific writer. I have tried journaling in the past but I haven't much luck. I am not the best writer whether it is personal, professional, or educational. I have always struggled with sitting down and putting my thoughts on paper. My struggles with writing, make me wonder how effective I could be as an English teacher. The three articles provided a lot of great information that will help me to better focus my thoughts on paper, whether it is for personal, professional or educational.
   While reading the three articles, I noticed many similarities and connections to some of my other classes, in particular my SED 407 class. The Radical Eyes for Equity article was the most interesting. The lessons to be a more efficient English teacher were enlightening. The one lesson that really struck me was "Teach students—not programs, standards, test-prep, or your discipline. Especially at the high school level, and particularly during the accountability era, we are apt to lose sight of our central purpose in teaching English—our students" (Radical Eyes for Equality, P. L. Thomas). 
   When I sit down to write, it is mostly as a student myself; papers, homework, emails, reflections, etc.. Thinking about how I struggle with writing, makes me think about the struggles my future students might face. Thinking and putting the students first, is great advice not only for writing but teaching in general. Making sure that the writing is engaging for all students will help them to become writers themselves, not only in their educational lives, but personal lives. Writing shouldn't be about standards and test-prep but for the ultimate benefit of the student as life long learners (Radical Eyes for Equality, P. L. Thomas).

Comments

  1. Michelle McCabeJanuary 23, 2018 at 10:05 AM

    For someone that does not consider themselves a writer, this is well written. And I really enjoyed what you pointed out in the Thomas post about putting the student first. That is going to be a balance for us as educators once we get to that point. There is such an emphasis on teaching to the standards, that we are going to have to be quite creative in figuring out practices which will motivate our students to write more and find a way to show them that it is rewarding, even if it is just a journal entry. Great points!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michelle McCabeJanuary 23, 2018 at 10:07 AM

      and I just performed the cardinal sin of saying "well written"

      Delete

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