Ch+8+-+Karin+A

The passage that meant the most to me is the introduction situation with the potential teacher n pages 128-129.

In reading the student's microtheme I noticed the spelling and grammatical errors. I was wondering why the author put these in here. I ave found errors in books before and often wonder why there re no proofreaders anymore, was this another book with errors? I soon realized the point Strong was trying to make. Being new at giving meaningful comments to students I have had the same dilemma. Do I comment on their "writing" or correct their grammar and spelling? I love the response he gives when he says "After all, your words say who you are and signal your attitudes toward the reader". In other words, your words represent yourself. Just as in how you dress, behave, and speak represents who you are. It is great that the author's comment to the student prompted a better response the next time. The student really took his words to heart. I have seen this also with my comments to students. the next writings are usually better in some way.

Jen C: "Your words say who you are" is so true. I see that you, as do I, struggle with what to offer as response to your student writing. The notion you explore about those first impressions of a person (dress, behavior, speech) remind me that often times those first impressions are formed through writing. However, I also understand that you can see the impact your comments have on your students; the next writings improve based upon the comments you give. I wonder about ways to critique the technical aspects of writing to help improve the impressions the reader receives from our students' writing. Feedback is such a balancing act well worth our time--especially if students develop the skill to also participate in effective feedback.

Susan I: I loved this part also! I agree with you in how you represent yourself says a lot about yourself. In the future, I want to try this with my responses, and even thought of it today when I received a bellringer with no commas! Jen, I agree there is definitely a balancing act when suppling feedback, we want them to truly understand what we are saying and be able to use it to help them, but at the same time not make them pull inward- especially if we want them to take chances. This technique must be used carefully.

Mark This is so true. I find myself making comments because it is the quick and easy way to do things. It takes much more thought to place a well thought out response on a students paper. Does this tell who I am? Absolutely, but some students respond to a more direct approach. For me it is hard to give comments that have worth. So I pick on the grammar part to bail myself out. Especially when I am behind. And yes I agree the students will see you for what you do, but they will also realize your human.