So, I have a lot to work on. It turns out that I’ve not really successfully prepared these kids for writing the long form essay. Maybe it isn’t me–maybe it is the short form short attention world in which they live, but asking someone to write a research essay should not return less than 1200 words. I mean, how much of that is even the research and the works cited material? I suppose I was particularly harsh in year-end grading. There was, for me, this disconnect between what I got and what I expected in a final research paper for a number of students. It varied from class to class, but to see barely over a thousand words is not a good look.
So, I am going to start over and try to find another way to cultivate this into a meaningful experience. What does that mean? More focus on process and more feedback on that as well. I think I have a good shell, but there is room to grow here. There are places where I can substitute different types of assignments in order to get them to engage in more meaningful ways with the content. I am, as always, a work in progress.
Some Thoughts:
- Absolutely Bonkers Headline of the Day: “3 scientists were charged in worm smuggling scheme. Lawyers say China helped get the case dismissed” This is a real thing?