Thursday, January 31, 2013

January's End...

Focused Free-writing: 

If you had the power to hypnotize anyone for a day, who would you pick and what would you have them do?  Explain.

     Many times when students write about this topic, it is dependent of what role they play, in their personal life.  If they are a wife, they would generally choose one of their family members, namely their husband.  If they were a mother as well, they would also choose their children.  They would have them do whatever they do on a daily basis, clean, cook, wash dishes.  They choose their children or spouse because they want them to know exactly how they feel when they do all the household chores.
     Other times students (especially college students) will choose a rich person.  They will choose that rich person and have them deposit all his/her money into their bank account, which is a very smart move.  Imagine, you have control over a person for one whole day, you control what they say, how they think, their actions.  Students have become very smart today, especially when money is something very important to that society.  Money, Money, Money...



     Today I held conferences for the students.  They came up to me with their writing.  Maybe I'll write more about how the conferencing went.





Image taken from: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/s/stage_show.asp, http://ninapaley.com/hots/archives/221 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Fourth Day...

Focused Free-writing: 

     If you could determine the age at which you will die, but with no guarantees regarding health or money, how old would you like to be when you go?  Explain. 
  


The topic for this evening.  Usually, when students write about this topic, I have a couple of students that choose the same age.  Majority of my students choose the age of 88, or 92.  The two ages seem to be the most popular.  The main reason for choosing this age is that they want to see their children grow, and see their children's children.  We'll see what they have to say...


The Writing Process

Today we went over The Writing Process.  I went over the basic steps, finding an idea (pre-writing), drafting, self-editing, revising (re-writing), teacher-edit, and publishing. 

Step 1: Pre-writing THINK 
Step 2: Drafting WRITE
Step 3: Revising MAKE IT BETTER
Step 4: Proofreading MAKE IT CORRECT
Step 5 Publishing SHARE THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Many times, when we look at a book, we do not see the process the writer used to make the book possible.  What we see in print might have been rewritten many times.  The writing process is a process all writers use, most writers go back and forth through the major stages of writing, sometimes with many drafts to prove it.  I hope my students come away from the writing process with the idea, there is no ONE correct way to write.  We just need to get in there and start WRITING!

In the Pre-writing stage we plan what we are going to write.  We choose a topic, identify our audience and purpose, brainstorm ideas and organize information.  The Drafting stage we write our ideas in sentences and paragraphs.  Follow our pre-writing plan to write a first draft of our composition.  In the Revising stage we are looking at our writing with different eyes.  Hopefully at this point, we have taken a break from what we have written so far.  I suggest maybe a day, take a break, go for a walk, take a nap (remember I mentioned nap, don't fall asleep for seven hours, it doesn't constitute a nap).  This stage is the first part of editing our writing, we may work by ourselves or with a partner or a group.  Make changes that will improve our writing.  If early on in the semester, we are not comfortable sharing our writing with our peers, we don't need to share.  But towards mid-semester, we should be more or less comfortable with each other, and begin to share more freely.  The Proofreading stage we finish our editing by polishing our work.  Check for errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.  We should as much as possible make a final copy of our composition, which will lead us to the next stage.  The Publishing stage, finally we choose a way to present our work to an audience.  Ways to publish include: reading our work aloud, sending it to the newspaper, posting it to a blog, putting it on Facebook or simply giving it to a friend to read.  (Yes, Facebook does count, there are sections there for notes, or even attaching messages, which are lengthy.)  Many times, when we reach the last stage in the writing process, after going through many drafts, of editing, revising, we would want to take pride in our work and PUBLISH!  I highly encourage my students to publish their work, especially when their writing is very effective.

I also handed out our writing folders today, and gave the students directions as to where/how (proper protocol) to submit their work.  They are always welcome to email me their drafts, and I will be more than willing to edit them outside of class.   Hopefully they take advantage of email. 



Images taken from: http://writing.pppst.com/writingprocess.html, 

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Third Day....

Our Focused Free-writing topic: 

If you could go back in time and do one thing differently, what would it be?  Explain.   

     This focused free-write topic is usually a topic I enjoy reading.  I enjoy reading what my students have to say.  It is something to start reading about other people's lives.  I find it interesting, and for some reason it aids in getting to know the person more, to be more comfortable with them, and how they think.  As the students were writing thoughts of what they were writing around bounced around the walls of the classroom.  I saw many of them really concentrating on what they were writing about, and I urged them when they were finished with the activity to just try and write freely.
   
     Afterwards, we went over the three things to start thinking about before or when they begin writing.
  • Subject
  • Purpose 
  • Audience 
Then we went over the basic structure of a five paragraph essay.  Introduction, Body, Conclusion.  I also asked the students to write at least five topics they are thinking about writing about this semester.  They do not necessarily need to stick to that topic.  I can't wait to read what my students have to say.





Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Second Day

Today we went over our class syllabus, I discussed everything in detail, from beginning to the ending of each class session.  Here is the syllabus I went over:




Guam Community College
English Department

Spring Syllabus 2013
EN100W-14, Fundamentals of English – Writing CRN-10286
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Jose A. Cruz, Jr.
Meets: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:00pm-9:30pm Room C4
Contact #: 735-5579 (English Department)
Email: jose.cruz@guamcc.edu

Catalog Description:
EN100W:  Fundamentals of English/Writing

Students work toward improving their writing skills.  Instruction is individualized to meet each student’s level of ability.  EN100W focuses on writing as a process, conferencing with peers and the instructor, and using critical thinking skills to improve written work.

Students with a composition score below 4 from a prior EN100W course are required to retake EN100W until the required composition score of “Pass” is achieved.  Students may enroll in both EN100R and EN100W if they earn a score of 62-67 on the reading component of the COMPASS placement test.  Students are placed into EN100W if they received a grade of “P” in EN100R-Fund. of English/Reading, or are reading at the 9.0 or above grade level based on the Nelson-Denny reading test and currently enrolled in EN100R, or earn a score of 68-100 on the reading component, 0-100 on the writing component, and 0-5 on the essay component of the COMPASS placement test.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

            1.  Demonstrate improvement in their overall writing abilities.
            2.  Submit prewriting drafts, outlines, rough drafts, revisions, and final drafts as evidence
                 of using the writing process.
            3.  Utilize a word processing program to facilitate writing.

OBJECTIVES:
The student:
1.      Will engage in the writing process, develop strategies, ask relevant questions, react and enjoy the writing of others. 
2.      Assume the responsibility for their learning, and have input into the writing of others in a positive non-critical manner. 
3.      To participate in the full writing process and turn in writing pieces on time. 
4.      Become actively involved with their writing, reading, and become critical thinkers. 




PROCEDURES:
1.      Attendance is very important!  Students are required to sign in at the beginning of each class period on the Attendance Sheet provided.  Attendance and promptness are strongly encouraged. 
2.      Inform the instructor of absence and have a doctor’s excuse if it is more than two days.  Make-up work will be given upon the date of return, for excused absences.
3.      Late assignments will be accepted at the discretion of the Instructor. 
4.      Students are required to come to class prepared. 
5.       Each class session: 
a.       Begins with a 10-15 minutes “free writing” exercise.
b.      Class/group sharing 5 minutes.
c.       Mini-skill lesson 10-15 minutes.
d.      Writing
                                                                                      i.      Choosing topics/narrowing topic
                                                                                    ii.      Drafts/revision/editing/proofreading
e.       Instructor – Student conferencing.
f.       Student – Student conferencing.
6.      All hand-written work should be legible in print.  Use of slang or offensive language will not be tolerated. 
7.      Students must actively participate in class discussions, group activities, one oral presentation (Author’s Chair) and conferencing exercises.  We will share our methods of writing, problems encountered, and strategies or solutions that work for us.  Group share may begin or end each class session. 
8.      Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism issues will result in a grade of F and referral to Student Services Office. 
9.      All final papers to be turned in are to be printed from a computer (double spaced).  Final Copy: Must have student’s name, course number, instructor’s name, date, semester, and paper number (Left margin).  All pages must have student’s last name and page number, in the upper right corner.
10.  Evacuation Procedures: Instructor will inform students of exit procedures. 

MATERIALS:
No textbook is required.  Students will be given a folder to be used as their “writing folder” which will remain in class.  All in-class work, drafts and copies of your final papers will be kept in your writing folder.  STUDENTS MUST BRI NG LOTS OF FILLER PAPER, BLUE OR BLACK INK PENS, AND A DICTIONARY/THESAURUS/SPELLER. Use black or blue ink pens, do not use metallic or gel ink pens; never write with a pencil.  Instructor will provide worksheets and other activities as needed.  Recommended resource: Pocket Keys for Writers by Ann Raimes (Available at GCC Bookstore). 

Accommodative Services-Located under Student Services (guamcc.edu website)

The Office of Accommodative Services provides assistance to individuals with disabilities seeking educational opportunities with Guam Community College.  Our office is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to access the educational programs and services that GCC has to offer.  As well as our commitment to providing reasonable accommodations, adequate to the needs of an individual’s disability within a classroom setting, while maintaining the level of academic standards required in all courses and programs at Guam Community College.  The office telephone number is (671) 735-5597.
Mission
Through its actions, the Office of Accommodative Services seeks to create a climate at Guam Community College where all students, regardless of accommodative needs, become increasingly active participants in their educational experience.
Services Provided
  1. Reasonable accommodations for the classroom and the campus, based on your disability.
  2. Auxiliary aids for students who are in need of a sign language interpreter, note taker, e-books, etc.
  3. Assistance with the registration process and other needs concerning enrollment and student issues

FERPA and Privacy:
Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), your educational records are confidential and protected. Under most circumstances, your records will not be released without your written and signed consent. However, some directory information may be released to third parties without your prior consent unless a written request to restrict this is on file. You can learn more about student rights to privacy at the GCC online college catalog in Appendix I (http://catalog.guamcc.edu <http://catalog.guamcc.edu> ), by visiting the U.S. Department of Education website, http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html <http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html> , or accessing the FERPA Group on MyGCC which is open to all users.
If you still have concerns, please the Registrar’s office at gcc.registrar@guamcc.edu <mailto:gcc.registrar@guamcc.edu>.

Evaluation:

In addition to meeting the course requirements, students must meet the following criteria to pass this course:

1.      Achieve a passing score of 70% or better on the Standard English Recognition Test.
2.      Score a “Pass” on the final composition exam.

The following is an explanation of final grades:

            P – Successful completion of course and exam requirements.
Z – Progressing satisfactorily but has not achieved required competency level.  Student must retake EN100W.
            F – Student did not meet the requirements of the course.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: ****Attend all classes as schedule is subject to change….
Week 1                                                                                          1/17-1/22                    
Introductions/purpose/procedures/writing survey/Introduction to Writer’s Workshop
Introduction of teacher, expectations of class, what we are going to be doing….beginning to ending of each class. 
Week 2                                                                                          1/24-1/29
Topics/Generating Strategies/Topic Chosen
Week 3                                                                                          1/31-2/5
Paper #1 Due: Feb. 5
Generating Strategies Continued
The Writing Process
Week 4                                                                                          2/7-2/12
Characteristics of Effective Writing/Punctuation Marks
Week 5                                                                                         2/12-2/14
Leads/Conclusions/Quotation Marks & Underlining                     
Week 6                                                                                          2/19-2/21
Paper #2 Due: Feb. 21
Editing/Model Writing
Week 7                                                                                          2/26-2/28
Commonly Confused words
Week 8                                                                                          3/5-3/7
Writing Partners Assigned
Group Editing
Week 9                                                                                          3/12-3/14
Paper #3 Due: Mar. 14
Presentation of favorite Writing Piece: Author’s Chair
Types of Paragraphs-Narrative
Week 10                                                                                        3/19-3/21
Types of Paragraphs-Illustration/Examples
Week 11                                                                                        4/2-4/4
Paper #4 Due: Apr. 4
Types of Paragraphs-Cause & Effect
Week 12                                                                                        4/9-4/11
Types of Paragraphs-Description/Definition
Week 13                                                                                        4/16-4/18
Final Paper due: Apr. 18       
Types of Paragraphs-Persuasion
Week 14                                                                                        4/23-4/25                    
Course Reflections/Writing Reflection Papers
Week 15                                                                                        4/30-5/2,7
Final Exams
Composition (5/2/13)
SERT (5/7/13)


****Syllabus is subject to change


Lengthy?  Not at all, I've read other syllabi, and they are more lengthy than what I have here.    The students that were absent last class, (on the first day), were tasked to write for me today, the remaining 30 minutes of class was reserved for them, to complete at least a paragraph of writing.  I wanted to see how they write, mainly just to get a feeling of all my students' writing.  Now I have to read six additional writing pieces, in addition to the twelve I got last class, totaling eighteen.  

Now it is time to read...student writing, hot off the press... 


Images taken from: http://pakistanpublicschool.blogspot.com/p/syllabus.html, http://south.mpls.k12.mn.us/syllabus14

Thursday, January 17, 2013

In The Beginning

Writing, Writing, Writing....not necessarily in that order.

     Welcome, today Thursday (1/17/13) begins the first day of the spring semester at Guam Community College.  I am teaching EN100W-14 Fundamentals of English-Writing.  I have been teaching this class since the spring of 2000 and I finally decided to start blogging.  I have been reading other blogs, and have notice how enticing and most of all interesting others blogs are, so I decided to take a stab at it with keyboard and monitor.  (Interesting how we would have to describe writing today, it may or may not be described as taking a stab at it with paper and pen in hand, but another means of description, with laptop and fired up fingers.)
     With class list of all enrolled-20 students to be exact, in hand, and a pen of course, I took attendance.  I let the students introduce themselves, mention something interesting and put a check mark indicating they are present.  Their interesting thought to share with the class could range from the best hamburger they ate today for lunch from McDonald's, or what is their major, currently.  I was rather disappointed that I only had 12 students show up today.  It varies every semester, whether or not the whole class will show up, considering it is eight o'clock in the evening.  But in the past I've had at least 15 or more of my students show up on the first day.  I'm thinking maybe those students had the first day jitters, but I reassured my students that did show up that their professors are just as nervous as they are, so just relax.
     After attendance was through and done all were marked present, I passed out the syllabus.  I made it a point to tell my students I am not going to be going over everything in the syllabus in detail.  I will explain the syllabus further, next class, but take the syllabus review it, and questions/comments will be addressed, next class.  I just pointed out a few items they must take note of, to heed its warning, now if that didn't scare them...
     I explained to them, that we are going to write tonight.  I put two topics on the white board, and explained to them they must write me an essay.  They have until the end of the period to compose an essay.  The essay will show me how well they write, what I need to work on with them for the rest of the semester, and help me gauge their writing.
   
     The two topics:
  • Excluding love, how do you define a healthy relationship? 
  • This community college could really use...  
     Now, time to read the essays...12 to be exact.  
   

Images taken from: http://nancy777.com/i-am-a-writer/, http://thewritingwellus.blogspot.com/