Angela Morales

Class Notes/ Carnegie Grant

English 189

Fall 2005

Weeks 4 (September 19-September 23)

Objectives

During the second two weeks, I had hoped to fix many of the little problems that had arisen as a result of using Web CT. My main goal was to get the class in a solid routine and to begin to understand the finer points of website maintenance. Moreover, I had hoped to begin teaching grammar, although I have postponed this for another week or two. For week 3, and especially week 4, I decided to slow the pace of the class and focus more of my attention on the writing process rather than the website.

Week 4

I decided to postpone teaching grammar for another week or two. Chris suggested that I keep the focus on writing process for another week or two. This was a great suggestion, as I feel it allowed me to turn my attention back to the basics of the class. This week we began our second essay topics (“How Important is Music in Your Life?”) and we really took a lot of time to get started. I began by showing a Power Point slideshow of the same topic, one that begins with clustering and moves on to the outline form. Next we did a group clustering activity on the whiteboard. Finally, I had them work on their own clustering activity. At the end of the hour, I borrowed a student’s paper and copied his clustering onto the whiteboard to show students a good example.

The next day I had students work on their outlines in class. I made it clear that they would really need to slow down and take their time on it. Many students wanted to rush ahead, but I told them to wait for each step (another of Chris’s helpful suggestions!)

After reviewing several finished students’ essays, I asked them to finish their outlines at home for homework.

By the end of the week, I felt like I was back in control. Little by little, I’m understanding how to manage the website. My next task is to manage online grading, which I’m a little worried about. It’s yet another task to learn, but I know it is really important for students to have access to their scores at all times. Next week I hope to have students complete their second papers, and from there we can begin to move into grammar.