By this point in the semester, we've
become pretty well acquainted with the key issues in teaching writing.
Mainly, however, I've guided you
through different issues and led
the conversation. Today is going to be a different sort of class. Let
me explain: The teaching of writing doesn't happen in a vacuum; it is
an important part of our political landscape. Everywhere you turn,
you'll find people, both in education and beyond, with opinions
(typically uninformed) about teaching writing, and ideas of
communication and literacy.
So here's our task:
Below are a series of links. These are heuristics for you today; you
should use them as a beginning -- to explore some key ideas in teaching
writing and how writing is positioned in the public realm.
We have no specific agenda today,
except to give you the chance to be a
professional and explore and follow up on some key ideas that, by now
(I hope) you have some strong positions on. As you search, you should
engage in conversation with colleagues around you.
As you explore, ask yourself questions such as
- What does this mean for us as
teachers?
- What does this mean for us as
writers?
And, even more importantly ...
- What does this mean for us as
citizens and members of society?
A
Structural Note
We have four leaders today: Kate,
Lorence, Mike, and Pat. At
1:10 or so, I'll call us back
together into four groups, each led by one of these four colleagues.
When you meet, your group should have a conversation about what you
found, learned, and discovered as searched and followed a plan from one
link to another, from one idea to another. I'll ask your group to
produce a list of important things you learned -- as professionals. Be
ready to share what you learned. What should result is a good,
free-flowing conversation among professionals.
This is not a comprehensive list: It is a heuristic. Take whatever path
works for you. Happy exploring.
Dr. Bush
March 11, 2008