On the first day of my creative nonfiction class, we composed a 6-word memoir as a way of introducing ourselves to each other. First, we looked at examples of the genre: click here to visit Smith magazine’s 6-word memoir page (which is a separate page from the 6-word stories site (a la Hemingway)). And check... Continue Reading →
Writing.
I'm teaching a creative nonfiction workshop this semester, which excites me and makes me nervous. This is the first upper-level course I've taught at my current university, and it is populated mostly with graduating seniors, who, though good students, are more focused on getting the heck out of here than on the intricacies of my... Continue Reading →
Today
I am lucky enough to have a comp class this semester in which the students regularly push each other to be better writers and thinkers; I often just sit back and watch what happens. They're spoiling me, and I'm grateful for the experience. I'll stop being obnoxious now.
So that’s why I do it. . .
I love to teach. More specifically, I love to teach writing. Truly. Although it is work-intensive and tiring at times, I actually feel energized when I'm in the classroom. . .usually. Occasionally, though, I wonder if I'm any good at what I've chosen to do, especially when classes don't go as smoothly as I hoped.... Continue Reading →
Cell phone classroom policy
So this post from Barclay Barrios is something to keep in mind. His syllabus policy is this--"use cell phones responsibly or not at all." Given the multiple ways in which we all use our phones now--calendars, internet access, spell checkers, and so on--it does feel disingenuous of me to tell students to turn their phones... Continue Reading →
Another end-of-semester reflection and revision post
This post is mostly for me, so I apologize if it's immensely confusing or boring! Comp I thoughts: Move "what I know" presentations to Comp I from Comp II and make them one of the 5 major projects. Maybe add presentations focused on introducing technologies in final sequence? Keep personal essay as first paper. I... Continue Reading →
Why, hello. . .
It's been a while. I just turned in final grades for my spring courses, which means summer is here for me (other than a few end-of-semester faculty obligations and going to commencement on Saturday). And I am not teaching this summer, which means more time for writing! Yay! Maybe I'll finally be able to keep... Continue Reading →
Commas DO matter. . .
Click here to see a magazine cover in desperate need of some commas. The copy reads, "Rachel Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog." Hmm. . .
Thinking about the Comp II curriculum one more time. . .
I changed my sequence III assignment today. Okay, not change so much as offer another option: originally, sequence III was supposed to be a traditional 4-6 page persuasive essay on an issue of the student's choosing. They're building off of research they did in sequence II and developing their own opinions for an audience of... Continue Reading →
For the record. . .
I am still alive and kicking. This semester seems a bit easier to handle than last semester, though I'm still not handling all the grading well. I am the ultimate procrastinator when it comes to grading. . .it's not that I don't want to read and respond to the essay; I really enjoy seeing what... Continue Reading →
essaying the plains 