A Reader's Response Guide
The class blog is intended to provide a plan for a conversation about the night's reading even before we reassemble in class to discuss that reading. In addition, it's a place for you to offer a departure point for that in-class discussion, a place for you to raise questions about what you didn't understand or a place to sound off about what you didn't understand or a place to sound off about what you found interesting or frustrating or ambiguous or incomprehensible about the reading. It's a place for you to let us know what's on your mind about the reading.
The class blog is a thinking exercise, in writing, but not formal writing. Here you can ruminate... think out loud... in writing. You might start with a question you have or a reaction you've had as a result of the reading or perhaps what's confused you... what you've liked or didn't like about the reading. You might want to write about the implications of the reading or how it connected with something else we've discussed or even how it connects with something going on in the world today.
Here are some hints for getting started on your blog entry. Try any of these...
"What really annoys me about this reading is..."
"This reading reminds me of what we talked about..."
"The most interesting fact in tonight's reading was... because..."
"I haven't a clue of what's meant by... (quote from the text) ... though it might mean..."
"The handout on... (whatever)... fascinates me because..."
"This reading really made me mad because..."
"I wonder what will happen..."
"That (any character you've read about) is so impressive because..."
AND/OR: Feel free to comment on anyone else's blog entry... keeping in mind courtesies and proper respect for each other's comments. View this as a collaborative effort, an extension of what we do together every day in class.
Naturally, I read all these blog entries and we might begin class with some comments from your postings from the night before.
You ge the idea. So... an important part of each assignment that calls for a blog entry will be to react to the reading with thoughtful reasons for why you reacted that way. Your posts don't need to be long... 150-200 words. Your writing may be "stream of consciousness" but words are to be spelled out and I expect you to proofread your postings. Havign said that, it is your thinking that matters most in this exercise. Generally, your postings will not be graded. I will indicate in advance when I am going to grade them.
Finally, you must post you blog entries the night BEFORE class. Yes, THE NIGHT BEFORE CLASS!
