Comments on Ferrill's Blog: Success!

Don't be too quiet. You keep the class interestin...

2006-09-11T18:53:00.000-06:00

Don't be too quiet. You keep the class interesting, and you have things to say that we should probably know now that we're in AP.

As for online, it is a lot easier to speak with voice here as opposed to on paper. Online, the whole point is to get our ideas across, it doesn't necessarily have to be a masterpiece of literature. But when we turn in a written paper, not only do we have less time to think about it, but we're programmed to give official, plain responses through all our years of school. For most of us, the internet is a place to express ourselves, so it's more natural to use our voice here.

I, too, see their voices come through loud and cle...

2006-09-08T20:52:00.000-06:00

I, too, see their voices come through loud and clear on the blogs. While I don't have your experience with grading essays, it appears as though they are often more authentic and passionate on the blog. I don't know that any of us really know the answer, but I certainly think part of it is writing for a larger audience. As we talked about before, no matter how much they like, respect and want to impress you, in the end for most of them it still ends up being turning in a paper to their teacher for a grade. But when they write on the blog, they know that not only you will be reading it, but so will their peers - and maybe people they don't even know. And if they care about what they are writing about, they want to make sure they convey that well to their (many) readers.

I think you also have a nice head start with getting so many of these students from Kristin. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but I think the students that blogged with her found their online voice last year and are primed and ready to go. After all, with students like Shamita (and many others), how could it not be fun?

As far as zipping your mouth goes, I certainly think you do need to give the students as much of the stage as you and they can handle. But don't muzzle yourself (although that's a fun image don't you think?) - you have so much to offer them and it wouldn't be the same without your unique (and I say that lovingly) contributions. Your class is a learning community, and don't ever forget that you are an important piece of that community.

Mrs. Ferrill, I don't blame you at all! I am often...

2006-09-08T17:13:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Ferrill, I don't blame you at all! I am often the same way when it comes to the things I love! That's why I'm in speech, becuase I love to preform. I've been doing oratory, drama, and humor for the past year and it has just been one of my passions! I just love to talk, even though you might not hear too much of me in class somtimes!
And by the way, I wanted to tell you that I am really looking foward to your class this year. I've been hearing what a great teacher you are, and how much we will be challenged beyond our minds! Since writing is one of my weak spots, I am really looking forward to all your help and advice!
Oh, and I might be able to find a place to sneak some monkeys into my portfolio...