I finally got to sit on some sessions, after three weeks! My first was with Phil on monday, and we had an ENGL 101 personal essay, and I was really almost touched that Phil was doing a good job of making sure that I felt involved in all the decisions and was keeping up with the conversation. Its almost kind of easy to stare off and not really pay attention, or I might have just been super tired. The kid had some good stuff in his essay, I was super surprised actually, and I remember that he was looking to us with such genuine appreciation. I was almost afraid that having two consultants sitting with him would be intimidating but I think he enjoyed it more then anything. We both gave him really good suggestions on how to keep yourself focused and keep the "flow" going. Once the session was over, I felt I had a better grasp of what actually goes on behind those cubiclesque walls.
The next session I sat in on was with another 303-er, we took a walk in that needed a simple read thru for, yet again, "flow". I keep gigglign every time someone comes in and says that, because its like a joke between all of us it seems like that all these students come in and say things like "flow" and what not and really I just want to correct them and suggest something like fluidity or something along those lines. Just not FLOW.
But it went very well, I want to say his name is Ryan? we ended up having him read his paper, tell us how he thinks its should map out and then revising minor sentence issues such as grammar and punctuation. He was an ESL student and I was glad to have that opportunity to get a first hand experience with one of them.
As far as class discussions went yesterday, I think we're probably the most out of control class I've yet to be a part of. I'm so glad that we can circle or clump together and actually hold real discussions, unlike Justin, Rob and Ryan's group that seemed to do nothing but laugh and be loud, but I guess however you discuss is up to the group. It was the first time I've sat next to Ben and he's a cool guy. I love Heather, she's hilarious, and good at grammar. So props to her. I have been thinking a lot about it since class yesterday and I think that I want to start doing consultations at the end of next week or the week after if I get in on a bunch of sit ins over the next week or so.
The reading was helpful, in the Bedford piece I hadn't realized that a lot of what I already do for brainstorming is in there. I can't branch or web, but I do other visual aids to help me stay organized and focus and trim down on filler and unrelated tangents. The scenarios and tips for global and sentence revision were very helpful as well. It makes it easier to imagine having a student with those problems and how you can go about informing them of their weaknesses as well as strengths. I also found out in our groups that I write papers a lot differently then I thought, but then again both of my groupmates are more orientated on fiction writing then academic and research writing.
The only thing I've noticed in my own patterns for this class is that I really need to get on the bandwagon in grammar skills. I can tell when a sentence is wrong, and usually don't have many grammar mistakes in my own writing, other then a sometimes odd way of writing that I've yet to encounter with anyone else, but when someone asks me WHY it sounds wrong, I'm totally in the dark. So I'm taking Martha with me to Portland this weekend and we're gonna spend some quality time together. And a friend of mine thats also going has offered to help me with some things since apparently at only 16 he's much better at it then myself. =/
I'm excited to start another week at the center, and as I've mentioned before, I feel extremely comfortable there and love helping students when I get a chance, even if its just setting up an appointment or answering a very simple question. I really miss having a job, and so far the WC has helped me a lot in curing boredom and restlessness.
I hope your weekend (s) are absolutely fantastic. Its supposed to rain in Portland all weekend, go figure.
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Eden--
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've had a super productive week in the Center, and I'm glad you had a positive sit-in with Phil. I think it's nifty how he was able to involve you in the session. And it sounds like you all were able to help this guy's flow. :)
And, congratulations on your co-consultation with Ryan! You all were the first 303ers to take a walk-in, and now others are jumping at the opportunity. Being in the Center certainly feels quite a bit different once you feel like you're contributing, whether that be by consulting or by finally getting a hang of the record keeping system. Do let me know if you'd like to come in at other times for a chance to observe other veterans.
And, I must admit, I think this is the most out of control class I've been in or taught! And I love it. Night classes can be super tough to make it through, and I'm stoked that people are engaged in the discussions rather than distracted by the ticking of the clock--a way too common occurrence. It sounds like you're making connections with other members of the class, which is great. It's pretty spectacular how such an ecclectic group of people can come together on common ground and make these kinds of connections.
As far as the grammar stuff goes, you should try sleeping with Martha under your pillow. I hear that it can be easier to absorb it all through your dreams. I might try it myself. Later in the semester we'll talk about punctuation, and this seems to be the time that many people can get a firm grasp on how to use this information in consultations. We'll get there.
Have a wonderful weekend in Portland. Make sure not to lose Martha. She would be sad forever.
mk