December 12, 2005
Writing Consultancy Class
I thought about writing this blog after our class period on December 8th, last Thursday. I guess I just really enjoyed that class period very much. I think it is very good that as a class we can discuss pretty much whatever we want. I must say that as a student, that is very motivating. This is going off of the blog we read in class about people not utilizing the time provided for in class consultations. I think that was pretty much due to lack of motivation for everyone in the class. I don’t think it was that surprising that this happened.
I am willing to bet that if we had done our consulting sessions on Thursday, we would have seen much of the same unwillingness to work as had happened previously. Thus I believe it was a very good thing that we had the discussion that we did. Instead of getting nowhere, I believe we accomplished a great deal, not only personally, but as a group. I think it says a lot that we were able to engage in such a thoughtful discussion instead of doing the prescribed activity. It is not very often that this happens, in fact I can’t remember it happening in my career at the U of M. Usually things are so strict in my classes.
Thanks for letting us get digress into the discussion that we had. It was really a good experience.
Posted by at December 12, 2005 9:29 PM
Comments
I agree totally, Brian, that it was worth it to "change course" last week. Really getting into our thoughts and opinions about the course, about consulting, and our own roles in those experiences seems crucial to me for it is in those kinds of discussions that we figure out what we are learning about ourselves, others, and the subject at hand. Thank you for participating too.
Posted by: Kirsten at December 13, 2005 3:10 PM
Hey Brian,
I wasn't at the class on Thursday so I don't know much about it. I agree, though, that it's good to be able to talk about stuff openly in class. But, I just hope it remained respectful and responsible. I think that sometimes when people are given the opportunity to vent they go a little far, saying things they shouldn't and saying things that might even be 100% untrue. Anyway, though, I think that you're awesome. And I want you to come work at the Writing Center at CLA. That is all.
Posted by: Claire at December 13, 2005 8:54 PM
Yeah, good point that this was very "cathartic" (quotes for emphasis) class. I personally can feel awkward at these times, just cause I'm not a huge fan of confrontation and generally roll with things (this isn't to say everyone else is uptight). But you're right that if we would've stayed with the plan and only consulted, we wouldn't have accomplished much.
Posted by: Adam at December 13, 2005 11:08 PM
I also love a less-structured classroom environment in which we can kind of just go with what seems relevant at the time.
If all of my classes were like that, maybe I'd slack way more than I should, but it's still nice to be in a class where my opinion matters and can actually be heard.
It's good to feel in control of your own learning sometimes in order to realize what we're doing and why.
Posted by: Elana at December 15, 2005 3:31 PM
These kinds of discussions indeed is motivating. It lets the students air out their ideas, feelings, or anything they have to show. It is important that students get motivated and sometimes it lies in the hands of the teachers or their superiors.
Lack of motivation is hard to deal with especially in school. We spend many years in school that is why we need to get motivated. If a student has a lack of motivation, he tends to procrastinate in his studies which will affect his grades, of course.
Posted by: Lack of Motivation at June 12, 2007 3:09 PM
It would really be effective for a discussion if students are more involved. Not only that they listen or answer when asked, but there is an interaction, like a conversation. They will get more interested with the topic if they get to ask or clarify things on their mind. This can also help them improve their conversation skills.
Students get more interested if they are involved. Its like really discussing about the topic and just listening and accepting it all. It would be better if they absorb it.
Posted by: Communication Skills at September 17, 2007 5:57 PM
Discussions make the class feel involved thus, it helps them to get motivated in participating. It is important that they are motivated and positive all the time to be able to achieve their goals or dreams.
The sedona method is a very effective way to get positive and motivated all the time by gaining emotional wellness.
Posted by: sedona method at May 7, 2008 1:29 PM