Teaching though writing is mentioned in the book and would again be challenging for me. Again, specific focus on traditional semester long classes rather than short workshops. For me, many students I have in my workshops don't know how to use a computer so it would be difficult to write anything to them. Sure, I could type a letter but Finkel seems to emphasize reviewing a paper a student wrote. I'd have better luck pulling teeth than expecting custodial staff to write a paper based on what they learn. I can certainly see the benefit to this, as I have learned from various teachers over the years who provide written feedback but in this particular scenario, I would gather would not be very effective. I suppose the fact that I realize this is beneficial. I have to use different tools for different groups to get the results I would like.
Maybe I am missing something with this. Is there another way I could incorporate teaching through writing in a short 1-hour workshop?
Frank, I do see what you are trying to say and understand your dilemma. When I was teaching and coaching, there were more than a handful of students who had absolutely no interest in athletics or exercise at all. I had to find a way to relate to those students and I found out that if I took interest at the very personal level with them, that connection allowed me to find out what it was that motivated them. Before I knew it, their interest in exercise began to slowly evolve, and the same approach may be needed to motivate them to write. Some people simply want to know that they really matter beyond the scopes of themselves as just an employee or student only. I want to read your book when you are done so maybe you can lend it to me this fall.
ReplyDeleteI honestly didn't think about that much. Pretty obvious too. Interest at the personal level. I wish I had more time to talk with each person and get to know their issues because this would help me and perhaps break down the barrier that they put up in front of me. If I could get to this level with everyone and everyone trusted me, I think things would work great.
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