I thought that Pam's approach to language analysis was helpful in terms of thinking about my word choices. Also, as I think about it now, it helped me to think about student vernacular and how that might translate into the teaching of writing - and the associated grammar. The thing that made that happen in Pam's assignment was translation (which I had a lot of fun with). I think when we work with a variety of dialects different from our own we sometimes forget how very foreign the things we take for granted in our speech are to others. I'm not sure how much I can use that insight in my current project, but it certainly will impact how I teach.
I thought the tone and approach to the assignment were inviting and appropriate. There was just enough explanation to get into the work without knowing too much - so that I could make discoveries for myself. Sometimes assignments are overworked and too much information slants the work or is just confusing. Pam came up with just the right amount. That is an important thing for me to remember in the future.
In terms of moving forward on my paper, I'm not sure where I will use what I just learned, or even if I can. Certainly it will shape the tone of my response, but I'm not sure I have a specific new tool I can use. However, as I told Pam, stretching my brain, playing with language and having fun seems like it is good for something!
No comments:
Post a Comment