Blogging Pedagogy

As this will be my final blog before leaving UT, I thought I'd interview myself just so I could say good-bye. I have thoroughly benefited from reading through each lesson plan, and from each interview response -- I hope that these interviews have proved helpful to all of you as well. I especially hope that any new AI out there struggling through their first semester in 306 finds comfort and helpful ideas through these blogs -- I chose the plans to highlight, and the questions to ask, with you in mind.

My lesson plan uses the National Geographic video presentation of Guns, Germs, and Steel to facilitate discussion of argument structure, and to start on the skills needed for research summaries. This is a very basic introductory assignment, suited to the first few weeks of the semester. Read on as I answer my own interview questions about using this assignment.

Q. How did your students respond to the assignment?

A. First, the film is really interesting and holds attention well. There's usually no bored body language even though the film requires most of the class period. Second, Jared Diamond's argument is so very clearly presented that you can almost see the light bulbs going on. The students usually enjoy the film, and when we discuss it later, they can easily point to claims, reasons, and evidence.

Q. Is this an assignment you use regularly? Were there any unexpected problems or benefits?

A. I've used this assignment each semester. The only unexpected problems come from the technicalities of getting a DVD to play in the classroom! The main benefit of this assignment is that it gives the class a clear, accessible argument that works as a starting point for discussion. It also provides a common example for future reference.

Q. What is your favorite aspect of this assignment?

A. I have already alluded to my favorite aspect -- the ability to see the light bulbs! Before the assignment, we would have established the vocabulary of argument structure, and the film provides a concrete example of each aspect.

Q. If you were to use this lesson plan again, is there anything you would change?

A. This really isn't a complicated, intensive assignment, but rather an introductory one. There's not a whole lot to change! That said, I usually only use the summary homework for discussion. It may be of better use to workshop the summaries in class, and to offer the opportunity to improve them just to further model the process of completing a research summary.

And there you have it - my final blog. I will sincerely miss UT and the CWRL. Thanks for the many opportunities and support. Good bye!