During Porschaʻs Accl ENG 100 workshop, Krystal talked about sending our students a warning about the pace and intensity of the course. I thought, cool. Now if you are like me, whenever Iʻm faced with a new challenge, I go online and read about what Iʻm possibly in for. The search almost always produces lists like "Ten tips on how to tell if your dog understands what youʻre saying" or "Ten tips on how to survive traveling with your mother." And other more pressing challenges.
Letʻs collaborate on a list for our Accelerated students?
If everyone contributes to the list, we can compile what weʻd like to use for our own course list.
(#) Tips on How to Survive an Accelerated Writing
1. The pace of this course is fast and furious. Keep up. Donʻt fall behind.
I LOVE THIS CLIP!!! New analysis assignment! And some of those kids are totally FEELING IT!!!
ReplyDeleteIn high school I remember one of my band directors telling us at the end of a 7 hour practice day: "Now imagine doing what you did today five days a week. That's the only way you're going to get good. If you don't think you can do it, don't come tomorrow. We don't want you, we don't need you."
I was thinking of having the students do a 5 page personal narrative essay for their first day homework assignment. Then I'd ask them to estimate how much hours it took them, what kind of writing process they used, and what grade they think they'd get. My hope is the experience will "show" them that procrastination will not work in an accelerated course and that if they want to write a passing piece they'll need to invest time and energy and commitment.
"Hear me now und believe me later..."
ReplyDelete(SNL: Hans und Franz)
As a few of us were discussing on Tuesday, writing takes time and practice and some people just need more time than others. I'd like to tell the students to just do the writing, keep up with the work, even if they don't believe in it (or fully understand it), and hopefully it'll all make sense later on.
I think this workshop made blogging a marshmallow for me...
ReplyDeleteRound 1
Motivation vs. Marshmallow
TIP#903: Motivation Card
On an index card write down three reasons why you are in school and/or in the course. Then write down one of your favorite motivational quotes.
Keep this card in your wallet. Every time you think of skipping class, procrastinating, or eating more marshmallows, read the card.
TIP#904: Motivational iTunes
Choose a song you find personally motivational or seems to always put you into Action Mode. Listen to it every day in the morning or whenever you feel like a marshmallow.
TIP#905: Motivational Show/Film
Choose a show episode or film that always motivates you emotionally and reminds you of the reasons why you are in school or reminds you to fight for your dreams. Watch this once a week. Make it your essay topics. Imitate the characters. Live the morals.
Scott and I have this running joke in our house. When things get way too stressful, out of control or just plain sucky, I say its time to watch HAPPY FEET. The music is wonderful. The penguins are just so darn cute. I guess you could say HAPPY FEET is my KUNG FU PANDA.
ReplyDeleteSomething else to add to our list for accelerated students.
I feel like handing out stamp cards like they do at Coffee Bean and Tea -- everytime you come to class, we stamp your card. At the end of the semester, produce the card and be rewarded with something -- small gift, points, a pat on the back.