July 10

Today, we started class by writing a goal list for the class period.  The rest of class was spent working on the presentations.

Homework:

• Post your final reflection on your blog.  Copy and paste it (do not embed).  Add and check your hyperlinks.
• Print and bring the presentation rubrics on Monday.
• Bring your presentation material if you are schedule to present on Monday.

Note: The class voted to cancel class tomorrow.  You should continue working on your presentations at home.

July 9

Today, we assessed ourselves on participation again, focusing on the last half of the semester. Next, we designed a presentation rubric. (This rubric is now on Moodle.) The rest of class was spent working on the research paper, final reflections and presentations.

 Homework: 

•  Embed the research essay on your blog. 
• Bring supplies for working on your presentation tomorrow. 

 *Note: All final drafts must be posted on time to pass the course.

July 8

Today, we got our workshop groups and discussed each group member's paper.  We followed the structure we discussed previously (see slide 46 on the PowerPoint) and answered the following topics:

Required Discussion Topics

1. Authors concerns
2. Did the paper follow only one thread?
3. Is the thread supported with class activities and assignments?
4. Does the author explain how each activity and assignment affected the thread?
5. Is the paper at least three double spaced pages?

Homework:

• Embed your final draft of the Definition Essay and Discourse Communities Comparison on your blog.
• Bring supplies to work on your Research Essay, Final Reflection and presentation tomorrow.

Note: All final drafts must be turned in on time in order to pass this course.

July 3

We responded to one of three quotes about reflection for the writing into the day (see slide 171 on the PowerPoint).

Then, we went over the questions from yesterday (see slide172  on the PowerPoint).  The class answered the questions in the following ways:

• A reflection is very well put together.
• There was writing and then something else and then writing and then something else.
• There are examples.  The examples are evidence of how she became a better writer.
• She is explaining why it affected her.
• I like it as an example because of the way she links what happened before to what is happening now.

• Make statements and explain where she got the information or how she changed as a writer
• There are links to writing and pictures.
• It sounded like she was talking to herself.

What threads have you been considering? 

• Student identity
• Writing abilities
• Realization of the levels of achievement I’ve developed
• How discussion based classroom affected me

We discussed how to embed the final drafts using Scribd (see syllabus for instructions).  We also discussed how to hyperlink (creating a link that will take the reader to another post):

1. Log into blogger
2. Hit the orange pencil to create a post
3. Copy and paste your final reflection into the blog post
4. Highlight the word or words you want to turn into a hyperlink (such as “this post” or “Definition Essay”).  The highlighted words should give the reader a clue about the content that is hyperlinked.
5. Click the word “Link” (It is in line with where you can change your text font or color)
6. Open a new internet window or tab and go to the post to which you want to hyperlink.
7. Copy the URL to that post.
8. Go back to your final reflection post.
9. Next to “Web Address,“ paste in the URL that you copied.
10. Click ok.
11. Repeat Steps 4-10 for all hyperlinks you want to create for your final reflection.
12. Hit “Publish”

Important: Click “View Blog” and make sure ALL of your hyperlinks work correctly.  Working hyperlinks are part of the grade for your final reflection.

Finally, we began brainstorming for the final reflection using slides 173-178 on the PowerPoint.

Homework (due Monday):

• Post an instructor comments reflection on your blog

Note: ALL final drafts must be turned in on your blog by the due dates in order to pass the course.

Hyperlink example

This is my final reflection. I want to hyperlink to this post.

Embedded Document

Test by mkeatonteacher

July 2

For writing into the day, we wrote our own definitions of reflection.

Next, we used the Reflection handout to go over the definition we will be using for this class.  As you are completing your final reflection, you should consider the following sentences from the definition:

• “linking recent experiences to earlier ones…The thinking involves looking for commonalities, differences, and interrelations beyond their superficial elements.”
• “Meaningful reflection considers three questions: 1. What-what happened? 2. So what – what does it mean? 3. Now what – what is the next step?”

Then, we read the assignment descriptions for and talked the presentation and final reflection (in syllabus).  See slides 165-168 on the PowerPoint for due dates and grading.

Lastly, we got into groups and read through reflection examples ("Teacher as Writer - Growing as A Creative Writer" and "Teacher as Writer - Developing My Identity as Writer")  written by Megan.  http://megansreflection.blogspot.com.  We answered the questions on slide 169 on the PowerPoint in those same groups.

Tomorrow, we will answer the questions in whole group.

Homework:

• Start revising your final drafts
• Bring a computer or a good pen/pencil tomorrow
• We will be doing a brainstorm for the final reflection

Because we only need 2 days (instead of 4) for presentations, we decided as a class to change the schedule in the following ways:

• July 8 - Workshop Final Reflection
• July 9 - Definition Essay and Discourse Communities Comparison Final Drafts Due (Embedded on blog)
• July 10 - Research Essay Final Draft Due (Embedded on blog)
• July 11 - Final Reflection Due (Copy and Pasted on blog)
• July 15 and 16 - Presentations
• July 17 - Class cancelled