Today we highlighted parenthetical citation, or in-text citation. Additional notes were taken on the proper format for bibliography entries.
The rest of the class was spent going over the various deadlines for the local issues paper and the class time that would be devoted to the project. The last few minutes were given to groups to look over their research articles so that everyone could fill out the checklist handout for sources that was given out last Thursday. The checklist will be due this Wednesday, May 20th.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15
The soft deadline for the body was today for those that wanted peer responses on their work. The beginning of the class was spent working on our local issues paper. This was followed by group work so that people can organize their resources for the next hard deadline (Wednesday the 20th) when the results are due.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14
STAR testing!
Keep working on your Local Issues Paper. Tomorrow the soft deadline for your body paragraphs are due.
Keep working on your Local Issues Paper. Tomorrow the soft deadline for your body paragraphs are due.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 13
The results section of the Local Issues Paper was the focus for the beginning of the class today. Notes should have been taken in our journals- if absent, please ask your group members for the notes because the results section is due in one week!
Journal Write 15: Respond to the short story by Kurt Vonnegut
http://instruct.westvalley.edu/lafave/hb.html
The remaining time in class was spent working in groups, organizing information for the soft deadline on Friday (body paragraphs), and the hard deadline next week (results)
Journal Write 15: Respond to the short story by Kurt Vonnegut
http://instruct.westvalley.edu/lafave/hb.html
The remaining time in class was spent working in groups, organizing information for the soft deadline on Friday (body paragraphs), and the hard deadline next week (results)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 11
Introductions were due today for the local issues paper. The class period was spent looking at other students' work and providing some feedback. To finish off the period time was given so that groups could organize with their groups.
Tomorrow, STAR testing begins
Soft deadline this Friday for the body paragraphs
Tomorrow, STAR testing begins
Soft deadline this Friday for the body paragraphs
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8
The majority of the class time was spent organizing group members and information for the local issues paper. At the end of the period each group turned in a responsibilities list that highlighted areas that need attention, as well as who would be responsible for completing them.
Another journal write to focus everyone on their community...
Journal write 14:
What is the relationship between your ideal community and the actual one you live in?
How does your topic affect your community and how much of an impact do you have on it?
Due Monday:
Introductions and Journals!
Another journal write to focus everyone on their community...
Journal write 14:
What is the relationship between your ideal community and the actual one you live in?
How does your topic affect your community and how much of an impact do you have on it?
Due Monday:
Introductions and Journals!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6
Our focus on writing a precis filled the beginning of class today with some brief comparisons with a summary. Afterwards we moved on to do a journal write. The class was finished with some time for groups to get together and start organizing their efforts for the investigative report.
Journal Write 13 Quote:
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
-George Orwell
Journal Write 13 Quote:
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
-George Orwell
May 5
The first half of the class was spent going over various items that appeared in the pressure writes from last week. Afterwards, we began looking at writing a precis. Tomorrow we will continue with the precis.
Pressure Write Prompt:
This semester we have touched on influences: those that affect generations, society, and ourselves. Within the last decade there has been increased attention and discussion on the subject of violence in music, film, and television that children enjoy. Some experts argue that the media is one major reason crime rates are on the rise. They believe the violence that youths hear and see through TV, film, and music leads them to behave in violent ways. On the other side of the issue, people say kids can make their own decisions concerning such influences and filmmakers and musicians must be free to create their art.
In a well organized essay, explain your ideas on the subject and be sure to support your thoughts.
Pressure Write Prompt:
This semester we have touched on influences: those that affect generations, society, and ourselves. Within the last decade there has been increased attention and discussion on the subject of violence in music, film, and television that children enjoy. Some experts argue that the media is one major reason crime rates are on the rise. They believe the violence that youths hear and see through TV, film, and music leads them to behave in violent ways. On the other side of the issue, people say kids can make their own decisions concerning such influences and filmmakers and musicians must be free to create their art.
In a well organized essay, explain your ideas on the subject and be sure to support your thoughts.
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4
After a brief account of our weekends we looked at summaries. There was an example of a summary written about the swine flu article we examined as a class. The rest of the time was spent organizing the articles within the various groups and writing summaries.
Tomorrow: Bring opinion articles that relate to the topics. We will be looking at writing a precis. Summaries due as well.
Tomorrow: Bring opinion articles that relate to the topics. We will be looking at writing a precis. Summaries due as well.
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 24
To cap the week off we had our first pressure comp of the year. Make-ups will be Wednesday during lunck in room 218 (Mr. Henshaw's room).
Enjoy the weekend!
Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
April 23
We completed our second discussion, this one focusing on the international drug trade. There were some interesting statistics but I fear that the majority of the class thought that a class discussion was an excuse to sit back and do nothing... hopefully the idea of supporting opinion was drilled enough so that it will influence the "Local Issues" paper we will delve into next week.
Tomorrow- a timed writing!
Tomorrow- a timed writing!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22
The majority of today's class was spent reflecting upon the class discussion on tax tea parties. The questions focused on two aspects: the actual information on the issue and the discussion format. Tomorrow we will be delving into the issues involved with international drug trade. Hopefully everyone will have their notes and questions prepared.
Tomorrow I will be collecting notes!
Tomorrow I will be collecting notes!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 21
Tax tea party discussion
For the most part today's discussion went well. There were some interesting comments and discussion threads brought up. Tomorrow we will recap some of the major ideas and debrief.
For the most part today's discussion went well. There were some interesting comments and discussion threads brought up. Tomorrow we will recap some of the major ideas and debrief.
April 20
Welcome back!
An interesting Monday, the idea that we are back in school has not quite sunk in yet for many of us...
Today we were introduced to the weeks events.
Tuesday and Thursday will be almost entirely devoted to a class discussion. Half of the class will be responsible for providing information concerning "tax tea parties" (Tuesday), while the other half will be looking into the issues surrounding "International Drug Trade" (Thursday).
Each student is responsible for coming to class tomorrow with a page of notes regarding their issue, in addition to 5 discussion questions for the other topic. For those that missed Monday, they will be in the second group and have notes on the issues surrounding international drug trade.
An interesting Monday, the idea that we are back in school has not quite sunk in yet for many of us...
Today we were introduced to the weeks events.
Tuesday and Thursday will be almost entirely devoted to a class discussion. Half of the class will be responsible for providing information concerning "tax tea parties" (Tuesday), while the other half will be looking into the issues surrounding "International Drug Trade" (Thursday).
Each student is responsible for coming to class tomorrow with a page of notes regarding their issue, in addition to 5 discussion questions for the other topic. For those that missed Monday, they will be in the second group and have notes on the issues surrounding international drug trade.
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10
We finished SICKO today and took the rest of the class to discuss the various issues that came up. Overall, it was a good conversation and it will be interesting to revisit some of the ideas when we come back after break.
No homework. Enjoy the break!
No homework. Enjoy the break!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9
Today we resumed the movie with another set of questions:
1. What are the issues of the movie?
2. Look for 3 techniques Michael Moore uses to influence the viewer.
3. Evaluate those techniques for effectiveness and explain your reasoning.
HOMEWORK: Come to class with 3 facts on the American health system and remember to include where you got you information.
1. What are the issues of the movie?
2. Look for 3 techniques Michael Moore uses to influence the viewer.
3. Evaluate those techniques for effectiveness and explain your reasoning.
HOMEWORK: Come to class with 3 facts on the American health system and remember to include where you got you information.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8
After the break, we will be looking at our next writing project: the issue paper. To get us thinking of an "issue" that is affecting people, we started watching Michael Moore's Sicko.
The two questions for the first section of the movie were:
1. What did you find surprising?
2. What additional questions do you have concerning health care?
Tomorrow we will continue with the movie and start focusing on framing issues and perspective.
The two questions for the first section of the movie were:
1. What did you find surprising?
2. What additional questions do you have concerning health care?
Tomorrow we will continue with the movie and start focusing on framing issues and perspective.
April 7
Building from our ideas on the Personal Insight paper, today we looked at the way our interests define who we are. This topic was broached by looking at the relationship, or lack of one, between interest and purpose. This class discussion eventually led to a quote by George Bernard Shaw:
"This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as I life it is my privilege - my "privilege" to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I love. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I've got a hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handling it on to future generations."
Journal Write #11: respond to this quote as it relates to your life and interests.
"This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as I life it is my privilege - my "privilege" to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I love. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I've got a hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handling it on to future generations."
Journal Write #11: respond to this quote as it relates to your life and interests.
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6
Weekend update... What happens during birthdays should sometimes remain out of the classroom setting...
Today's focus was spent talking about the Generation Y values that we came up with last Friday. The conversation had a few bright spots, but overall it was a sluggish Monday.
The classroom then moved on to talk about the personal interest essay that we began in the first week of the semester. We tried to put a few ideas down based on our investigations of the past few weeks of influences and underlying meaning but we ran short on time and did not get very far. Tomorrow we will try to resurrect our efforts.
Today's focus was spent talking about the Generation Y values that we came up with last Friday. The conversation had a few bright spots, but overall it was a sluggish Monday.
The classroom then moved on to talk about the personal interest essay that we began in the first week of the semester. We tried to put a few ideas down based on our investigations of the past few weeks of influences and underlying meaning but we ran short on time and did not get very far. Tomorrow we will try to resurrect our efforts.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 3
The beginning of class was spent talking about the ideas presented yesterday concerning Generation Y. This was followed by a brief discussion of Nature vs. Nurture which was a possible connection to the idea of personal (and collective) traits and values that can define people.
The rest of the class was spent in a group activity that addressed the question: What are the top 5 values or traits of Generation Y'ers? Provide an explanation of why you chose them.
The results of the group work will be addressed in more detail on Monday.
Enjoy the weekend!
The rest of the class was spent in a group activity that addressed the question: What are the top 5 values or traits of Generation Y'ers? Provide an explanation of why you chose them.
The results of the group work will be addressed in more detail on Monday.
Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2
Skipping ahead...
At the end of yesterday's class we started talking about the names given to the various generations. Today we picked up where we left off and focused on "Generation Y" (which includes everyone in the classroom). This conversation led to journal write #10: What characteristics make up Generation Y'ers?
After the journal write an article was read to the class by Mr. Chan that described G Y'ers. Tomorrow we will finish our thoughts on Generations and the influences of our time.
The last act of the day was to vote on a movie that will be viewed next week dealing with a contemporary issue.
HOMEWORK: think about what defines your generation
At the end of yesterday's class we started talking about the names given to the various generations. Today we picked up where we left off and focused on "Generation Y" (which includes everyone in the classroom). This conversation led to journal write #10: What characteristics make up Generation Y'ers?
After the journal write an article was read to the class by Mr. Chan that described G Y'ers. Tomorrow we will finish our thoughts on Generations and the influences of our time.
The last act of the day was to vote on a movie that will be viewed next week dealing with a contemporary issue.
HOMEWORK: think about what defines your generation
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March 24-25
Wednesday-
We looked at our Meaningful Scenes in a peer review session that took up the majority of the class. The remaining time was spent making changes in our writings.
Thursday-
A break between the peer review and when the final drafts are due, we attended a lecture focusing on preparing for college.
Due Tomorrow: Meaningful Scene!
We looked at our Meaningful Scenes in a peer review session that took up the majority of the class. The remaining time was spent making changes in our writings.
Thursday-
A break between the peer review and when the final drafts are due, we attended a lecture focusing on preparing for college.
Due Tomorrow: Meaningful Scene!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
March 24
At the end of Monday's class we started exploring the idea of "show not tell." Today we picked up where we left off and looked at some examples that hopefully shed a little more light on "show" writing. These ideas hopefully influenced our writing for the "meaningful scenes" project we began today.
HOMEWORK: finish writing your "MS" and come prepared for peer review tomorrow.
HOMEWORK: finish writing your "MS" and come prepared for peer review tomorrow.
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23
Today's class started with a chat of the two conferences on Friday (Women's and Logging) and the news highlights of the weekend. This was then followed by a summary of last Friday's activities (Gambling).
Moving into the activities of the week, we began looking at a writing assignment focusing on "meaninful scenes."
Meaningful Scenes
This writing assignment is an attempt to attach significance to small part of the world that surrounds us. By focusing on a single “detail,” we can extend thoughts until they apply to the larger “picture.” The weeds pushing their way up between the cracks of the sidewalk can be an example of struggle, nature’s perseverance to reclaim what was originally hers. A line of ants stretching down a length of wood can be a source for reflections on human philosophy and behavior: Is a life dedicated to a social, collective goal, better than one pursuing individual ones? Is it within human nature to ignore personal identity for the creation of a greater good?
This writing is an attempt to use a common sight in our lives and go beyond what is obvious and common. It is a chance to show our individuality in thinking- the path our thoughts can take when sparked by a seemingly ordinary image. Be creative, anything can have significance!
There are two basic sections of this writing assignment:
1. A description of the setting- what you are looking at
2. Your extending thoughts- what it means
• Approximately 250 words in length
We finished the class by addressing some issues with writing- showing, not telling.
HOMEWORK: come to class tomorrow with an idea for the "meaningful scene" writing.
Moving into the activities of the week, we began looking at a writing assignment focusing on "meaninful scenes."
Meaningful Scenes
This writing assignment is an attempt to attach significance to small part of the world that surrounds us. By focusing on a single “detail,” we can extend thoughts until they apply to the larger “picture.” The weeds pushing their way up between the cracks of the sidewalk can be an example of struggle, nature’s perseverance to reclaim what was originally hers. A line of ants stretching down a length of wood can be a source for reflections on human philosophy and behavior: Is a life dedicated to a social, collective goal, better than one pursuing individual ones? Is it within human nature to ignore personal identity for the creation of a greater good?
This writing is an attempt to use a common sight in our lives and go beyond what is obvious and common. It is a chance to show our individuality in thinking- the path our thoughts can take when sparked by a seemingly ordinary image. Be creative, anything can have significance!
There are two basic sections of this writing assignment:
1. A description of the setting- what you are looking at
2. Your extending thoughts- what it means
• Approximately 250 words in length
We finished the class by addressing some issues with writing- showing, not telling.
HOMEWORK: come to class tomorrow with an idea for the "meaningful scene" writing.
Friday, March 20, 2009
March 20
Opening up the class we wrote down some questions relating to our reflective essays that were due today:
1. How was the timing of the paper? (did you have enough time between drafts?)
2. What are you proud of in this essay?
3. What would you have liked to have improved/done differently with the essay?
4. Did this writing influence your perspective in any way? Why?
5. What class activities helped you with the ideas behind the reflective essay? What activities didn't help?
6. Any additional comments?
The remainder of the class was spent looking talking about the relationship between gambling and luck. A short article was read by Mr. Chan and the overall meaning was related back to our lives. Time ran short and the rhetorical element of the lesson went largely unaddressed. The conversation will resume at the beginning of class on Monday...
NO HOMEWORK
1. How was the timing of the paper? (did you have enough time between drafts?)
2. What are you proud of in this essay?
3. What would you have liked to have improved/done differently with the essay?
4. Did this writing influence your perspective in any way? Why?
5. What class activities helped you with the ideas behind the reflective essay? What activities didn't help?
6. Any additional comments?
The remainder of the class was spent looking talking about the relationship between gambling and luck. A short article was read by Mr. Chan and the overall meaning was related back to our lives. Time ran short and the rhetorical element of the lesson went largely unaddressed. The conversation will resume at the beginning of class on Monday...
NO HOMEWORK
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 19
Details...
To open the class we had a quick quiz. I wanted to distinguish the reason behind the editing mistakes I have been finding in our writings... is it because the rules for apostrophes are not known or is it just lazy proofing? Do students know the difference between there/their, too/to, which/witch... or do we need to spend time in class on when to use each one? hmmm... just asking the question is a little disturbing...
Following this quiz we looked at some citation issues with some examples.
The end of the period was spent looking at quotes dealing with "Human Nature." This led into the journal write #7:
What is "human nature" and how does it apply to your reflective essay topic?
DUE Tomorrow: Reflective Essay!
For those that will be missing Friday:
Before we turn in our final drafts we will be writing down our reflections on the process of writing this paper. Questions to answer:
1. How was the timing of the paper? (did you have enough time between drafts?)
2. What are you proud of in this essay?
3. What would you have liked to have improved/done differently with the essay?
4. Did this writing influence your perspective in any way? Why?
5. What class activities helped you with the ideas behind the reflective essay? What activities didn't help?
6. Any additional comments?
To open the class we had a quick quiz. I wanted to distinguish the reason behind the editing mistakes I have been finding in our writings... is it because the rules for apostrophes are not known or is it just lazy proofing? Do students know the difference between there/their, too/to, which/witch... or do we need to spend time in class on when to use each one? hmmm... just asking the question is a little disturbing...
Following this quiz we looked at some citation issues with some examples.
The end of the period was spent looking at quotes dealing with "Human Nature." This led into the journal write #7:
What is "human nature" and how does it apply to your reflective essay topic?
DUE Tomorrow: Reflective Essay!
For those that will be missing Friday:
Before we turn in our final drafts we will be writing down our reflections on the process of writing this paper. Questions to answer:
1. How was the timing of the paper? (did you have enough time between drafts?)
2. What are you proud of in this essay?
3. What would you have liked to have improved/done differently with the essay?
4. Did this writing influence your perspective in any way? Why?
5. What class activities helped you with the ideas behind the reflective essay? What activities didn't help?
6. Any additional comments?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March 18
In an effort to hammer some ideas relating to the reflective essay (that is due Friday!) into our heads we once again focused on the different parts of the essay- specifically, the four body paragraphs and the conclusion. Hopefully the stale atmosphere in the class today during lecture will not translate into essays of minimal substance...
As a lead-in to the day's activities some of the responses to the Baraka questions were looked at and evaluated. Lesson for the day: Show some thought in the work you do...
As a lead-in to the day's activities some of the responses to the Baraka questions were looked at and evaluated. Lesson for the day: Show some thought in the work you do...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March 17
A good class today. We finished off Baraka and had a discussion based around the four questions we had for our notes.
For the last 10 minutes of class we chose one of the questions and explored any new perspectives we gained after our discussion.
DUE Friday: The final draft of the reflective essay.
NO HOMEWORK
For the last 10 minutes of class we chose one of the questions and explored any new perspectives we gained after our discussion.
DUE Friday: The final draft of the reflective essay.
NO HOMEWORK
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16
Today we watched Baraka again- we will finish it tomorrow at the beginning of class.
The draft of the reflective essay was returned. Overall, the quality was higher than the previous essay. Improvement is good.
Any students that missed Friday's notetaking were to turn them in today.
Late drafts are still being accepted (10% marked off for each day).
Final drafts of the reflective essay are due this Friday!
NO HOMEWORK
The draft of the reflective essay was returned. Overall, the quality was higher than the previous essay. Improvement is good.
Any students that missed Friday's notetaking were to turn them in today.
Late drafts are still being accepted (10% marked off for each day).
Final drafts of the reflective essay are due this Friday!
NO HOMEWORK
Friday, March 13, 2009
March 13
Another Friday the 13th...
The draft of the reflective essay is due today!
After turning in the essay we began watching the movie Baraka. The movie explores the relationship between humans and natural environment, the present and the eternal. There were four questions to answer as the "exit ticket":
1. How is the idea of routine, or ritual, explored?
2. What ideas on PERSPECTIVE does the movie raise?
3. What is the purpose of the movie?
4. What is humankind's relationship with the natural world?
The draft of the reflective essay is due today!
After turning in the essay we began watching the movie Baraka. The movie explores the relationship between humans and natural environment, the present and the eternal. There were four questions to answer as the "exit ticket":
1. How is the idea of routine, or ritual, explored?
2. What ideas on PERSPECTIVE does the movie raise?
3. What is the purpose of the movie?
4. What is humankind's relationship with the natural world?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March 12
We touched upon the "Omelas" story once again, sharing our answers from yesterday's questions and discussing them as a class looking at the paradoxes...
Perspectives...
An important element of this reflective essay is being able to look upon our invention from different perspectives to examine the positive and negative aspects of it in our lives. To give us an idea of this we looked at street art examples the require a certain "vantage point" to make sense of the image. Too often we simply accept the given idea of something and do not take the time to look deeper, or from another angle... taking this idea of perspective, we finished the class by looking at our reflective essay focuses and tried t
o develop a more complete picture. 
o develop a more complete picture. 
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
March 11
After some reflection, it was decided that if students wanted to resubmit their character analysis paper, after meeting with Mr. Chan on an individual basis, their final grade could be changed. The process of writing and exposing ideas is important- if students want to refine their abilities then we are focusing on the right things... let's see how many takers there are...
The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas
There was some general class discussions before reading and after addressing some relevant issues with the story. This led into the final activity of the class which was Journal Write #6, addressing three questions:
What is the paradox in the story?
Would you stay or leave Omelas and why?
Is there a paradox with your focus for the reflective essay? (positive and negative aspects of your invention or innovation)
The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas
There was some general class discussions before reading and after addressing some relevant issues with the story. This led into the final activity of the class which was Journal Write #6, addressing three questions:
What is the paradox in the story?
Would you stay or leave Omelas and why?
Is there a paradox with your focus for the reflective essay? (positive and negative aspects of your invention or innovation)
March 10
Today's activities started with the handing back of the final drafts of the Character Analysis papers. For many students their final score was a shock (there was also some added confusion due to Mr. Chan's confused ideas of the grade breakdowns...). Hopefully this will prove as an example of Mr. Chan's grading- a focus on quality rather than quantity; if the soup is thin don't expect a large tip. We will see how things go with the Reflective Essay...
Tomorrow we will be reading the short story The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas. As a lead-in to the story we looked at some terms and tried to think a bit abstractly...
Vocabulary terms: Utopia, Paradox, Scapegoat. 
Quotes: (from the short story)
"Only pain in intellectual, only evil interesting."
"Happiness is based on a just discrimination of what is necessary , what is neither necessary nor destructive, and what is destructive."
Tomorrow we will look at the story and see if we can find parallels with our Reflective Writing project.
DUE Friday: Draft of Reflective Essay
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 9
Peer Work
Today we ran through our drafts of the reflective essay.
Today we ran through our drafts of the reflective essay.
Things to Consider...
Introduction:
-Is there an effective Hook?
-Is there enough background information?
-Does the author link the invention/innovation to their own life and experiences?
-Is there a thesis statement at the end that focuses the reader’s attention?
Body 1, History:
-Is there a topic sentence that focuses the reader on the history of the invention?
-Does the author present information regarding the history/evolution of the invention?
*For this first draft the author needs to include what they know, the research element will be required next draft
Body 2, American Influence:
-Is there a topic sentence that focuses the reader on the effects of the invention on American Culture?
-Are all statements supported!?
-Is the information convincing?
Body 3, Personal Influence:
-Is there a topic sentence that links the invention to the author?
-Are all statements supported with personal experiences? (Support!)
-Does the author make the influence of the invention clear to the reader?
Body 4, Future Influence:
-Is there a topic sentence that focuses the reader on the contents of the paragraph?
-Does the author extend the ideas of the inventions influence into the future?
-Does the author make guesses as to the inventions relevance in American Culture or their personal lives?
Conclusion:
-Does the author synthesize the information of the body paragraphs? (explain the meaning of the four body sections)
-Is the thesis statement addressed?
-Does the author give a philosophical thought at the end? (Extending the idea of the impact the invention has had on humans)
DUE Friday: Next Draft of the Reflective Essay!
Friday, March 6, 2009
March 6
Reflective Essay
The focus for today was the reflective essay. We started class looking at our introductions and had other students provide some constructive criticism. Moving on from there, we wrote down ideas for the body paragraphs. Finally, we examined the components of the conclusion, particularly the philosophical extension. There was a general sense of confusion in regards to this last element, but the idea behind it is closely linked with the activities of this last week. Taking the example of the muscular cow (yesterday), taking the simple idea that "to better oneself" is a noble pursuit (we all agreed in class), extending that idea far enough can result in some interesting situations (the cow was called "unnatural" or "gross"). When applied to humans the same situation occurred
...
..."Ewwww. Gross."
For the reflective essay, I want the ideas in your essays to be extended so that they have a larger significance. I want to step beyond the immediate and obvious and delve into the larger context and meaning. Let's see if we can get beyond our immediate reaction of "gross" and explore, and comment on, why we think this way.
HOMEWORK: Draft 1 of the Reflective Essay due MONDAY
Thursday, March 5, 2009
March 5
My oh Myostatin....
The beginning of class once again examined a modern development and its implications for the future. We have generally come to the conclusion that science and technology can be taken too far, but today we tried to find exactly where we find ourselves questioning what we see around us.
After this class discussion we paired up and began talking about our own ideas for the refective essay. Students took turns, one would talk while the other listened. After a minute addressing a specific question the silent student would be able to give feedback. The process was repeated for all questions and then the "listener" would take their turn as the "talker."
The class finished off with individual work on the introduction portion of the reflective essay.
HOMEWORK: finish the introduction for tomorrow's peer review.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March 4
I was happy to hear that some students took the 24 hour challenge and tried to go without a modern convenience. There were some interesting comments on technology and its role in our lives...
Once again we looked at the basic format for the reflective essay, going into a little more detail after yesterday's cursory glance.
Introductory quote leading into the journal write:
"The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers."
-James Baldwin
Journal Write #5: Respond to this painting and try to address some of the "questions" you might have.
Once again we looked at the basic format for the reflective essay, going into a little more detail after yesterday's cursory glance.
Introductory quote leading into the journal write:
"The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers."
-James Baldwin
Journal Write #5: Respond to this painting and try to address some of the "questions" you might have.
TOMORROW: Journal check and have an idea for your reflective essay focus
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March 3
Picking up where we left off...
Yesterday the focus was on inventions and their impact on American life, today we tried to narrow our sights on how they impact our personal, daily lives. Taking an invention and tracking it from its past (within the last 25 years) to the present, and then extending its use to the future was a key concern in the discussions for it's impact can be very different (think antibiotics again).
Towards the end of the class the 24 hour challenge was posed to any who would dare to take it. Can you go 24 hours without the use of one of your "top 5 inventions in your life?"
Yesterday the focus was on inventions and their impact on American life, today we tried to narrow our sights on how they impact our personal, daily lives. Taking an invention and tracking it from its past (within the last 25 years) to the present, and then extending its use to the future was a key concern in the discussions for it's impact can be very different (think antibiotics again).
Towards the end of the class the 24 hour challenge was posed to any who would dare to take it. Can you go 24 hours without the use of one of your "top 5 inventions in your life?"
Monday, March 2, 2009
March 2
Moving on...
Over the course of the previous week we looked at various items that had meaning in one way or another. The overall goal was to arrive at some sort of insight into our own lives- to develop a more discerning eye for detail and to delve into that which is generalized or common.
Today we took that search for significance and began an overview of some ideas that will eventually filter into our next writing assignment: a reflective essay.
Essay overview-
Student will be able to identify a specific modern influence that shapes their lives and reflect upon its personal, cultural, and global impact.
Today we looked at the impact that certain inventions have had on the average American, focusing on two in particular: Antibiotics and the television.
Tomorrow we will continue our discussion and focus on the inventions that directly influence our personal lives...
NO HOMEWORK
Over the course of the previous week we looked at various items that had meaning in one way or another. The overall goal was to arrive at some sort of insight into our own lives- to develop a more discerning eye for detail and to delve into that which is generalized or common.
Today we took that search for significance and began an overview of some ideas that will eventually filter into our next writing assignment: a reflective essay.
Essay overview-
Student will be able to identify a specific modern influence that shapes their lives and reflect upon its personal, cultural, and global impact.
Today we looked at the impact that certain inventions have had on the average American, focusing on two in particular: Antibiotics and the television.
Tomorrow we will continue our discussion and focus on the inventions that directly influence our personal lives...
NO HOMEWORK
Feb 26
Work with generalized statements from previous class
Journal write #4:
The end portion of the class was spent working independently on the Character Analysis papers.
Due Tomorrow: Character Analysis Papers
Journal write #4:
The end portion of the class was spent working independently on the Character Analysis papers.
Due Tomorrow: Character Analysis Papers
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Feb 25
Let's experiment...
Picking up where we left off yesterday, we discussed a couple statements that related to two experiments. The two situations, a prison experiment and the other a shocking demonstration, were related to us as students. Explaining the surrounding situations and issues will be important for our final drafts due this Friday. We cannot rely on superficial, generalized statements for an analysis paper!
We closed out the period looking at a partner's paper, finding generalizations that needed additional support. Tomorrow we will look at adding to our papers so that they have meaning...
No Homework
Picking up where we left off yesterday, we discussed a couple statements that related to two experiments. The two situations, a prison experiment and the other a shocking demonstration, were related to us as students. Explaining the surrounding situations and issues will be important for our final drafts due this Friday. We cannot rely on superficial, generalized statements for an analysis paper!
We closed out the period looking at a partner's paper, finding generalizations that needed additional support. Tomorrow we will look at adding to our papers so that they have meaning...
No Homework
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Feb 24
Hmmm... I never noticed that
Today we talked about meaning. We first looked at a few statements and determined their significance as they related to us as writers, students, and humans. This was followed by images, that were once again tied back to our own lives and how we perceive the world...
...to be continued
No homework
Today we talked about meaning. We first looked at a few statements and determined their significance as they related to us as writers, students, and humans. This was followed by images, that were once again tied back to our own lives and how we perceive the world...
...to be continued
No homework
Monday, February 23, 2009
Feb 23
Welcome back!
Today we got back our first drafts of our character analysis papers. Overall, the structure was pretty good (which is what we primarily focused on these last couple of weeks) but additional attention will be given to establishing meaning now.
In an effort to bring issues of meaning out, we looked at some paintings of Salvador Dali. Possibly due to the realization that we were once again at school and not on break still, the discussions and comments were halting, but I think some general ideas concerning creativity and depth of thought were picked up on. We will try to narrow our ideas down a little tomorrow and see if any insights make their way out of the fog...
Final Draft of the Character Analysis paper is DUE FRIDAY
Today we got back our first drafts of our character analysis papers. Overall, the structure was pretty good (which is what we primarily focused on these last couple of weeks) but additional attention will be given to establishing meaning now.
In an effort to bring issues of meaning out, we looked at some paintings of Salvador Dali. Possibly due to the realization that we were once again at school and not on break still, the discussions and comments were halting, but I think some general ideas concerning creativity and depth of thought were picked up on. We will try to narrow our ideas down a little tomorrow and see if any insights make their way out of the fog...
Final Draft of the Character Analysis paper is DUE FRIDAY
Friday, February 13, 2009
Feb 13
It was a dark and stormy night...
To close out a busy week we once again returned to looking at characters. This time we wrote mini-stories in groups. Enjoy the break...
No Homework!
To close out a busy week we once again returned to looking at characters. This time we wrote mini-stories in groups. Enjoy the break...
No Homework!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Feb 12
1st draft turned in... don't you feel satisfied?
It's official, the first draft of the character analysis paper is turned in. Aside from looking at some examples of proper formatting, citation, and quoting, we wrote our third journal write and discussed our ideas. Overall, a good lead-in to the Friday before President's break.
Quote 3:
"[He] liked to live so that nobody could find fault with him, and to do that he had to live as nearly like other people as possible."
John Steinbeck (East of Eden)
No homework
It's official, the first draft of the character analysis paper is turned in. Aside from looking at some examples of proper formatting, citation, and quoting, we wrote our third journal write and discussed our ideas. Overall, a good lead-in to the Friday before President's break.
Quote 3:
"[He] liked to live so that nobody could find fault with him, and to do that he had to live as nearly like other people as possible."
John Steinbeck (East of Eden)
No homework
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Feb 11
Our first essay efforts!
Our rough drafts were due today of the character analysis paper to use in peer response groups. This hopefully provided some focus for revisions that will be due tomorrow in the form of a 1st draft. With the break looming, let's try to remain studious for these last couple of days...
DUE tomorrow: 1st draft of the character analysis paper
Our rough drafts were due today of the character analysis paper to use in peer response groups. This hopefully provided some focus for revisions that will be due tomorrow in the form of a 1st draft. With the break looming, let's try to remain studious for these last couple of days...
DUE tomorrow: 1st draft of the character analysis paper
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feb 10
Crunch time...
Aside from briefly addressing the conclusion handout (created from yesterday's class), the point breakdown for the drafts that will be due before the break, and addressing the rubric elements for the peer review, the class was a working period to patch up any holes in our writing or to ask questions of Mr. Chan or Ms. Doherty.
DUE Tomorrow: Rough draft of the character analysis paper!
Aside from briefly addressing the conclusion handout (created from yesterday's class), the point breakdown for the drafts that will be due before the break, and addressing the rubric elements for the peer review, the class was a working period to patch up any holes in our writing or to ask questions of Mr. Chan or Ms. Doherty.
DUE Tomorrow: Rough draft of the character analysis paper!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Feb 9
Starting off the week with a conclusion...
Today we focused on the conclusion by outlining the basic components, things to keep in mind, things to avoid, and looked at some examples. A handout of the information will be passed out in class.
Being a Monday, we also took care of some business matters and cleared up any issues with assignments:
-We are only focusing on the Character Insight Paper
-We will be having a weekly participation "assignment"
-Students must have a draft by Wednesday for peer review sessions
HOMEWORK: start thinking about your conclusions for your P.I. paper!
Today we focused on the conclusion by outlining the basic components, things to keep in mind, things to avoid, and looked at some examples. A handout of the information will be passed out in class.
Being a Monday, we also took care of some business matters and cleared up any issues with assignments:
-We are only focusing on the Character Insight Paper
-We will be having a weekly participation "assignment"
-Students must have a draft by Wednesday for peer review sessions
HOMEWORK: start thinking about your conclusions for your P.I. paper!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Feb 6
Comp II music...
Due to the somewhat hectic pace we have set this week with our writing for the Character Analysis paper we slowed down a bit and approached the major characters in the story through the music that might represent them. Turns out Mary Ann goes from a Pop princess to a Tribal enthusiast... not much of a surprise there I guess.
On Monday we focus on conclusion elements. Enjoy the weekend...
Due to the somewhat hectic pace we have set this week with our writing for the Character Analysis paper we slowed down a bit and approached the major characters in the story through the music that might represent them. Turns out Mary Ann goes from a Pop princess to a Tribal enthusiast... not much of a surprise there I guess.
On Monday we focus on conclusion elements. Enjoy the weekend...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Feb 5
Character body building...
As a way to reinforce some of the previous day's ideas about creating body paragraphs, we looked at a few more student examples. Additionally, we covered the five elements of last class (main idea, evidence/support, coherence, order, and unity) so that we can look at our fellow writers efforts in peer review sessions. Work, work, work...
At the end of class, hopefully with a few ideas of how we can improve our essays, we took some time to write a third body paragraph.
No homework... unless you need to catch up...
As a way to reinforce some of the previous day's ideas about creating body paragraphs, we looked at a few more student examples. Additionally, we covered the five elements of last class (main idea, evidence/support, coherence, order, and unity) so that we can look at our fellow writers efforts in peer review sessions. Work, work, work...
At the end of class, hopefully with a few ideas of how we can improve our essays, we took some time to write a third body paragraph.
No homework... unless you need to catch up...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Feb 4
Let's get physical. Let's do some body work...
In an effort to prepare ourselves for the Character Insight paper, today we did some work with body paragraphs. Aside from taking a look at some powerpoint slides that detailed what might be included in the body section of an essay, we created some basic examples and shared them in class.
Quote write #2:
“There is no reality except the one contained within us. That is why so many people live such an unreal life. They take the images outside them for reality and never allow the world within to assert itself.”
Hermann Hesse
...any connections to Mary Ann Bell?
DUE Tomorrow: 2 body paragraphs for the character insight paper
-typed or in pen
-about a page (1/2 page per paragraph)
-will be used with the introduction in peer review sessions
In an effort to prepare ourselves for the Character Insight paper, today we did some work with body paragraphs. Aside from taking a look at some powerpoint slides that detailed what might be included in the body section of an essay, we created some basic examples and shared them in class.
Quote write #2:
“There is no reality except the one contained within us. That is why so many people live such an unreal life. They take the images outside them for reality and never allow the world within to assert itself.”
Hermann Hesse
...any connections to Mary Ann Bell?
DUE Tomorrow: 2 body paragraphs for the character insight paper
-typed or in pen
-about a page (1/2 page per paragraph)
-will be used with the introduction in peer review sessions
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Feb 3
Carrying on...
The next couple of weeks will focus on developing our writing by focusing on the Character Analysis Paper.
After a brief discussion of the "Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong," we began looking into the process of analysing fictional characters in greater depth. Three approaches were outlined along with the types of questions that might be posed- from a psychological, anthropological, and political viewpoint. Furthemore, a more thorough explaination of the paper was looked at where the character analysis is a device to extend related questions beyond what is found in the text of "SoSTB."
Small groups were formed to share introductions and ideas for the project.
To close out the class, elements of body paragraphs were written in student journals.
No homework...
The next couple of weeks will focus on developing our writing by focusing on the Character Analysis Paper.
After a brief discussion of the "Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong," we began looking into the process of analysing fictional characters in greater depth. Three approaches were outlined along with the types of questions that might be posed- from a psychological, anthropological, and political viewpoint. Furthemore, a more thorough explaination of the paper was looked at where the character analysis is a device to extend related questions beyond what is found in the text of "SoSTB."
Small groups were formed to share introductions and ideas for the project.
To close out the class, elements of body paragraphs were written in student journals.
No homework...
Feb 2
February beginnings...
A busy day today. We started off by briefly talking about the happenings of the weekend; there were a few disapointed Cardinal fans. Additionally, we touched on the annotation notes from last Friday in preparation for the reading to follow.
The Things They Carried, by Tim O'brian
"Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong"
For the next class come prepared with a rough introduction for the character analysis paper for peer-review. This introduction is your entrance ticket to the class, if you do not have one you will be spending some quality time with Ms. Doherty in the hallway!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Jan 30
The end of the first week...
With the closing of this first week, hopefully everyone is settling into the class and is ready to start working. We begin our first full writing project this next Monday.
Aside from a few business items (a journal check that included write #1 and quote #1) and some more class overview issues, we addressed the topic of annotation. On Monday we will be looking at the short story we will focus on for our character analysis paper, and having those annotation skills will come in handy.
-As a way to practice, we annotated a snippet by Alain De Bottom...
With the closing of this first week, hopefully everyone is settling into the class and is ready to start working. We begin our first full writing project this next Monday.
Aside from a few business items (a journal check that included write #1 and quote #1) and some more class overview issues, we addressed the topic of annotation. On Monday we will be looking at the short story we will focus on for our character analysis paper, and having those annotation skills will come in handy.
-As a way to practice, we annotated a snippet by Alain De Bottom...
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Jan 29th
Shifting gears...
Making the transition from one project to another, we finished our thougths on the Personal Insight paper with some revisions on a poorly created Introduction (Mine!)- Character Analysis, here we come...
Character Analysis beginnings:
To close out the class we began looking at the types of questions we, as readers, need to ask when looking into the make-up of a character... to be continued tomorrow...
Making the transition from one project to another, we finished our thougths on the Personal Insight paper with some revisions on a poorly created Introduction (Mine!)- Character Analysis, here we come...
Character Analysis beginnings:
To close out the class we began looking at the types of questions we, as readers, need to ask when looking into the make-up of a character... to be continued tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jan 28th
Something is scary in Essay Land...
In an effort to link the previous day's classes to the two writing projects we completed our first quote journal write (Quote #1). I thought that the quote selection raises questions of who we are as individuals, linking to our Personal Insight writing, in addition to extending thoughts on how we perceive others, which moves into our next write which requires character analysis. I'm curious to see what connections were made in class...
"We live in our own souls as in an unmapped region, a few acres of which we have cleared for our own habitation; while of the nature of those nearest us we know but the boundaries that march with ours."
-Edith Wharton (The Touchstone)
Onwards!
The basics of an essay format were recorded into our journal. This was done withe the aid of a couple examples:
hmmmm... go figure.
We finished the class with some examples of Introductions... good ones... and bad ones...
DUE MONDAY: Personal Insight INTRODUCTION
In an effort to link the previous day's classes to the two writing projects we completed our first quote journal write (Quote #1). I thought that the quote selection raises questions of who we are as individuals, linking to our Personal Insight writing, in addition to extending thoughts on how we perceive others, which moves into our next write which requires character analysis. I'm curious to see what connections were made in class...
"We live in our own souls as in an unmapped region, a few acres of which we have cleared for our own habitation; while of the nature of those nearest us we know but the boundaries that march with ours."
-Edith Wharton (The Touchstone)
Onwards!
The basics of an essay format were recorded into our journal. This was done withe the aid of a couple examples:
hmmmm... go figure.We finished the class with some examples of Introductions... good ones... and bad ones...
DUE MONDAY: Personal Insight INTRODUCTION
Jan 27th
Today we flew past some business items- addressing any issues with the syllabus and signing them, briefly talking about the previous day's journal write, taking a look at the on-line resources, and then completing a student survey (that will help me focus in on areas of concern for this class).
Onwards from there...
The second half of the class dealt with the format of an essay.
-Students brainstormed essay elements in small groups
-As a class we listed the different elements and briefly talked about them
-At the end of the exercise there was a cursory mention of RUBRICS
DUE IN CLASS: Student Survey
Onwards from there...
The second half of the class dealt with the format of an essay.
-Students brainstormed essay elements in small groups
-As a class we listed the different elements and briefly talked about them
-At the end of the exercise there was a cursory mention of RUBRICS
DUE IN CLASS: Student Survey
Monday, January 26, 2009
The first day...
Jan 26th:
Introductions were made...
The basics of the Syllabus were addressed and opened up for comments to the class. By the next class students are to read the syllabus and make note of anything they want to adjust. Tomorrow, if no issues prevent the occurrence, students will agree to the classroom policies by signing the form.
An overview of the portfolio requirements were addressed:
-4 multi-draft papers
-2 pressure compositions
To close off the class there was a journal write (JW #1) that was turned into Mr.Chan:
Write about a personal interest or passion and explain how it gives some insight into you as an individual and your future ambitions.
Homework: Obtain a composition notebook (journal) by Wednesday
Introductions were made...
The basics of the Syllabus were addressed and opened up for comments to the class. By the next class students are to read the syllabus and make note of anything they want to adjust. Tomorrow, if no issues prevent the occurrence, students will agree to the classroom policies by signing the form.
An overview of the portfolio requirements were addressed:
-4 multi-draft papers
-2 pressure compositions
To close off the class there was a journal write (JW #1) that was turned into Mr.Chan:
Write about a personal interest or passion and explain how it gives some insight into you as an individual and your future ambitions.
Homework: Obtain a composition notebook (journal) by Wednesday
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hello
Welcome to the Comp II English Blog! This site will be an on-line supplement to class activities. I look forward to our semester together- see you in class...
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