Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Blog # 5 --Constructing a Story

When constructing a Research Project, it is important to clearly set-up a system for brainstorming your ideas before you create the actual framework of wrting. Based on Pope's Essay, the Author uses various ways of gathering her thoughts which brings her to the main theories of her work. In my opinion, every essay or sermon should be written properly so that the reader can interpret the information.

By focusing on Pope's essay, "Teacher Training", we notice how Pope began his work by talking with his peers. With them, he developed thoughts and began collecting words which he could use later in his pieces of work. By discussing plans with your fellow peers, you can gain more knowledge, along with ask for feedback to determine whether or not the storytime makes sense, as well as your work becomes more interesting.

Next, once the dicussion is over, then the Author should be able to begin creating the different data by framing out the various pieces of information using a "web", also known as "clustering". It is crucial to be able to see your work spread out, as an Author, so that you can see everything clearly while expressing your thoughts. Webing can be time-consuming, however it is a main part for any Author or writer.

Then, as the writer finishes up with his or her webing, they would be able to begin their follow-up part, "free-writing". Free-writing allows the Author to continuously write about their feelings and express their data in their own way. It is also a way to put together the data, so the person can clearly see what they will be writing about.

Lastly, after the "free-writing" process, the Author can then wrap-up their thoughts and ideas by putting them into actual "writing phase". This includes taking the information from the web, then bringing it all into a thoughtful format where the Author can construct the story, essay, or sermon. In my opinion, the writing phase is important because that is where the writer reveals all of the depths of his or her story. By developing intense feelings, the person captures the attention of the audience.

Overall, every writer goes through phases to help them create their "masterpieces of writing". Some stories are short, some are long, however every story should be well thought out by its Author. I believe that an audience could tell whether or not the writer put in time and effort into his or her story. It brings feelings into the work, which helps to captivate the person reading it.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Research Projects --Blog # 4

As we approach the discussion on "Senior Seminar", I have began to choose three different types of possible Research Projects that I would choose to conduct as an assignment. First, I'd be interested in learning more about "Teenage Pregnancy".  This topic would focus on why teenagers "choose" to get pregnant at such young ages, in addition with how the pregnancy could literally change their lives.With this, I would use sources, such as observing the College Community and base my research on the alumni's "Oral History" data, while "interviewing" current teenage mothers who I know to discover how their everyday lifestyles have changed due to becoming parents at such young ages. To me, I see this topic was a widely known controversy and realize how much it can affect a teenager. Question: Why do so many teenagers today want to get pregnant?

Second, as another Research Project, I might choose to discuss "Toddlers in Beauty Pageants". This topic has become a controversial issue in the world, especially on TV. There are parents out there who believe it's a "good idea" for their young daughters to be in a contest while wearing explicit clothing, along with performing certain duties, while she should really be attending school and enjoying play dates with friends...living a normal life.I could find several pieces of information on this subject matter, such as within a "Textual Analysis" by using the computer to research certain shows, while finding evidence on websites regarding how parents actually feel about observing other parents who urge their own children to pursue their own parents dream. Also, I could use the "interviewing" method again by choosing certain parents who I know and ask for their input regarding this topic. It's main focus would be on whether or not the idea of putting young children into Beauty Contests should be acceptable or not. In my opinion, I don't believe it's a good idea, considering the child is so young, it's simply not a "normal lifestyle" and doesn't seem to be healthy for the child. Question: Why would a parent urge their child to take part in this type of event in the first place, when they child continuously puts up a fight?

Lastly, if I had to conduct a Research Project, I might choose to analyze the concept of "Computers and Technology". This theme interests me because in our world, especially in our Society today, you will most likely see or be around some kind of Technology. In my opinion, it is important to understand the use of Technology because it can help you in its own way. The focus of this Project would be to identify why Computers and Technology are useful for people, as well as how it could help someone do a task. Based on the different methods and sources, I would use the "Oral History" process again, since I could probably determine how well these "tools" have helped people throughout our world's times. By gaining the History, you could learn how Technology either has gained positive impacts in our Society or how it actually has been decreasing in it's value. Also, I might choose to use "Textual Analysis", so I could read about the pro's and con's with what Computers and Technology has to offer. You could learn how people use computers to look up information for a particular task, how they can create Power-Point Presentations, and even how to browse the Internet. Certain people choose to never use a computer in their lifetime because they believe it's simply "too hard" to learn, however, in my opinion, if you take the time to gain understanding of the technology, then chances are you would probably become successful with it. Question: Why have Computers changed from the late 1900's to the 2000's?

Friday, September 23, 2011

Moreno --Blog # 1

Eng. 3029 - Moreno

Moreno's main focus seems to be expressing two highlights: 1. How social and pedagogical issues shape upper-class students who are of more than one culture, and 2. How these types of students use literacy in their everyday worlds to create their own individuality. Each of these points is reflected upon ways in which Moreno describes literacy as "In a University, a tool for control and colonization and... is also used for socializing students to the use of language and discourses in Educational Institutions..." This reflects on how every person uses writing to connect thoughts and ideas. In a shell, readers become informed that these two major theories above are learned thoughout this Article.

In addition, Moreno states how people of different races, ethnics, and cultures are all individuals who should be treated as fair human beings. Adding on, the Sermon explains how everyone learns how literacy is a primary focus in the world. No matter what language a person speaks, we can all communicate with one another, which is why language is such a demanding feature in our world today. Additionally, Moreno impacts how we are all team players in the world, who even though we are all from different cultures, we can still relate to one another.

The Methodological Approach that Moreno seems to be using is the "Social Constructivist Perspective", considering the Article seems to be based on various types of people who learn in different ways all surrounding the theory of Literary Analysis. In my opinion, it does not matter what type of race, gender, or ethicity you have...everyone is an equal person in our world and can be granted the gift of writing, reading, and use of language.

Moreover, methods which could be used based on this Article seem to be "Quantitative Studies" and "Oral History". First, Quantitative Studies are reflected in ways of having numbers of people be involved in the same process, being able to learn writing and reading. Several studies regarding this can be used in business and organizations with groups of people, such as with people in meetings, classrooms with students, etc. Also, regarding the "Oral History" perspective, readers could refer to different types of people and study how everyone learns differently, however we can all learn the same thing, even if it is presented in a different way. Our world is surrounded among various backgrounds and we should all be treated in a positive manner. These are just two of the ways how a researcher can use their skills to gather data and perform an experiement with given variables or be presented with certain variables and form hypotheses to present evidence.

Furthermore, by asking questions, listening, responding, conducting interviews, and even more skills, researchers can determine ways to find out more evidence from their given applicants. Such techniques as these can be used by any researcher to conduct an experiment. Overall, such "tools" can assist anyone in conducting an experiment or gain information about a particular subject.

In conclusion, I would use this "Social Constructivist Approach" in my own classroom to gain knowledge about my students. For instance, I might ask my second graders to create an "All About Me" book, which would consist of their name and two pages of what they like to do, as well as who is in their family. Additionally, they would draw pictures and write what each picture represented. This approach would reflect the interviewing concept, considering I will be asking/telling them the questions/topics of what to add in their books, which would then allow me to find out more about themselves.

Livingstone Article --Blog 2


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Livingstone Article

Throughout our world, the idea of Technology becomes widely known and used by millions of people. Many different types of us come together by the use of electronics, particularily with computers and telephones. These innovations seem to be a critical part of our Country, along with other Countries. As readers review Livingstone's article on "Internet Literacy", they learn how technology and the internet develop a certain type of focus, while working with the terms literacy and literature.

I believe this Article was written to make people aware of how much technology can help someone grasp the understanding of a particular piece of literature. Many places offer the use of CD's and even tapes, which have recordings on them to allow auditorial learners to hear words, which is a huge benefit, especially for those who find a harder time learning based on a visual level as from simply looking at a story.

The genre of this piece seems as if it can be written for any audience ranging from Kindergarten throughout someone's lifetime. There are hundreds of millions of thousands who use the internet every day to either gain new knowledge about a topic, or use it to simply listen to a story online. Even if you happen to be someone who does not understand how to perform the technology, there will most likely always be another person who is willing to assist you. "I don’t find it hard to use a computer because I got into it quickly. You learn
quick because it’s a very fun thing to do.” Nina (17, from Manchester) As from Nina's quote, readers can realize how intentional computers can be, as well as if you become interested in using one, then that motivation will help in making your learning process easier.

Furthermore, this Livingstone Article is organized in ways of using methods, such as "Oral History" and "Interviewing". For instance, it seems like so many people are focused around the idea of using technology, even when they initially find a tough time using it. The history of of world revolves around all of us as different kinds of people, who learn from one another. Also, "Interviewing" comes to be a part when people are asked questions regarding which types of levels they understand, such as when it comes to using a computer. "...Not every family has got a computer, and I think children are disadvantaged if they don’t." -Livingstone , In my opinion, based on this particular quote, I believe it is a beneficial advantage if people have computers in their homes because they can definetaly help children, as well as their parents learn certain things, such as assisting children to learning words or picture sounds for English, alongside the help of their caregiver. Overall, technology can be a good tool for learning, as long as you use it properly and grasp its' main concept.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Education as My Agenda...

For this particular assignment, I chose to review Gertrude William's Novel titled, "My Agenda". In my opinion, this sermon was interesting because it captivates the Author's purpose as what seems to be Education. According to the story, Williams was a principal of a public school. As a part of her job, she had a plan...she "wanted to improve student's performances in her school". To me, this woman becomes a very focused principal whose main focus tends to reflect upon her wanting what was best for her student's academic levels, as well as their daily lives. She spent several years first teaching. then being a counselor, and then gained more than twenty years as a Principal. Regarding this, I believe Williams was trying to convince people to collect confidence in themselves and believe in what they can do to perform certain tasks. If you feel as if you can succeed within a task or position somewhere, then don't let others discourage you!

Additionally, I believe Williams had to examine her interests among being a teacher, counselor, and principal to determine what she felt most comfortable in being. It seems as if she really cared for her students, while working hard to keep control among her school. As a child herself, Williams states how she "...examined the "highs and lows" of being part of an Urban Public Education since World War II". Back then, school districts seemed to have a rougher time due to a lack of finances. However, today, the population of schools seems to be increasing with more students attending, which provides a better environment for teachers.

Furthermore, the types of methods that the Author could have used would include interviewing and analyzing texts. For instance, Williams's use of "interviewing" relates to finding out information from her peers, along with her students to determine which methods work better in her school. According to the Novel, Gertrude Williams was "...at once an outspoken critic and spirited advocate of the system to which she devoted her life". Based on this quote alone, readers can learn how much time and effort Williams most probably put into her career. Not only was she widely known, however she also seemed to care deeply about her school. And, lastly, this Author used the method of "analyzing texts" when she related Education into the daily life of "Her Agenda". By developing a connection of a school's importance and publishing a Novel about it shows how passionate one can be about a particular subject. Overall, Williams seemed to be a positive role-model for her students and her student-body must have been intrigued by her positive teachings, as well as her dedicated commitment.