Resources for students

In the Mycomplab Web site, I really liked the Researchnavigator. It's an excellent way for students to get a grip on how to research and find information. It's all right there. I also liked www.powa.org - the Paradign Online Writing Assistant. There were some valuable resources there. I also checked out the Purdue site, which was very helpful.

After week one

Well, I must admit I was overwhelmed on Monday when we started workshop. However, as the week progressed I became more comfortable with my position as a teaching assistant. I am more comfortable with the fact that I'll be standing in front of a group of students, teaching them how to write. I feel that I have a good grasp on evaluating assignments. And I have a good idea how to use the Desire2Learn program.

I am a little worried about filling class time and constructing my lesson plans. It's not a matter of what to teach, but how do I fill a class period and in what order do I present this material? I realize that some of these questions will be answered this week as we work on our syllabus.

Grading student writing

I'd like to say that my level of response consisted of all four levels. But today when I read the student reviews, I found myself focusing on the global level and paragraph level. How can you comment on sentences or words if the essay isn't completing the assignment or working on a global level? It's really such a difficult process and the level of response you use depend on what stage the paper is in. Like we discussed this week, why correct sentences and words in early drafts if the essay has bigger problems like missing the point of the essay? Therefore, I focused on more of a global level when reading the reviews today.

When it came to discussing our corrections with our peers, I was relieved to find that we were making similiar corrections. It really helps when you know that others are seeing the essays the same way. It was very reassuring - especially when it's our first time correcting papers.

Ranking sample writings

I have to say that I enjoyed the last essay for several reasons. Most importantly, the student brought in personal experience, life lessons passed down from his grandfather and actual stories into his essay. The essay incorporated observations about his first days on campus. He gave me real observations about his college experience.

However, the essay has several structural errors. But I didn't place it at the bottom. It was more in the middle. I placed the fourth essay on the top because the writer presented several reasons that supported her thesis.

Dividing chapters

I chose Chapter 13: The Face of War. I've always been interested in war and conflict - people fighting people, people fighting the elements, people fighting unknown forces. Part of my reasoning comes from my experience in the military and my time spent overseas. I think the section is so timely, with everything going on right now on the war against terrorism.