Post number two

In the beginning of chapter two, Williams discusses the practice in education where instructors teach the material to their students the way in which they themselves were taught it. A lot has changed within the education system since we were in elementary and middle school. Can you think of any ways you were taught material (writing or other) that would simply be unacceptable for you as the teacher to teach students today?

Since I am an early childhood education major, I have learned a lot of things not to do while I am teaching that a lot of other teachers have done in my classroom. There are several simple practices we have learned to do in order to become an effective teacher. However these practices are very general and apply to all aspects of teaching not just specific to one subject. One of these practices is stating directions positively. When you are telling children a direction you use positive encouraging words, tones, and avoid words such as "don't." I always remember my teachers saying "Do not read ahead" or use a loud voice in stating the direction. In education class we learned it is better for a teacher to talk in a normal tone and say something like "Please stop reading after reach page 25." Other similar practices include getting on eye level when teaching young children and give children choices only when both alternatives are acceptable. In regards to English class when I was younger, I can remember for the most part everyone stayed together as a class when we were learning how to read and write. Only a few children left the room if they needed extensive help and the entire class was aware that those kids were the bad readers. However now when reading and writing materials are taught to elementary children they are split up; the entire grade is divided into groups according to level. I think when the children are grouped according to level it is a much more efficient way of learning for several reasons. One being the material is appropriate for all students, it is not too easy or too difficult for anyone in the group. Another advantage is it makes children feel more comfortable and the reading/writing process is less stressful. Another positive that comes from this method is the fact that no child knows if they are considered poor, average or accelerated in the subject matter. This reduces embarrassment and also makes children more eager to learn. The group system also saves teachers a lot of time and students, overall get more out of the time spent on the materials when they are all at the same level.

post number one

In the Harvard model of composition the students were evaluated on form rather than content. Do you think this approach truly helps writers improve their overall abilities?

I personally think writing is more than grammar and punctuation, I believe form is important but not everything. Williams said that this approach has failed within the public school system. NAEP results are demonstrating children's writing abilities are decreasing and getting worse with time. I think this problem is a result of several underlining factors. One being the fact that teachers are so concentrated on form. They stress the importance of punctuation and correct grammar and children lose sight of content and creativity within their writing. If I knew I was only being graded on my form I would concentrate my attention on editing and making sure all of my punctuation was correct. Having correct grammar, word choice and punctuation does not make a piece of writing meaningful or considered "good" by any means. I think teachers need to shy away from teaching to a standardized test or concentrating only of form. Teachers need to incorporate all aspects of writing into their teaching and grading. I believe it is important for teachers to equip students with the knowledge of sentence structure and grammar but not let this be the only area of focus. Teachers need to help children build on their ideas and creativity as well as the other structural aspects of writing. Writing is more than just form and I believe teachers need to structure their lessons and assignments away from this idea. Therefor I do not believe this approach to teaching writing is effective for students.