Reinforcing writing skills in core courses
Teaching core classes in animation, students often believe that their instructors might be lacking in some of the basic literacy skills as themselves. Students seek to identify with and in some ways imprint their own experiences onto the teachers they work with daily. Often students think that my math or writing skills are marginal because my degrees are in art. It is important that we capitalize on the desire to emulate instructors and help student’s develop traditional academic skills.
One thing that I have tried to do is provide examples of those skills in my own work. Writing is especially easy to reinforce when students are trying to write proposals or production bibles. Showing students an example of my own, walking them through the process and allowing them to refer to it throughout the process provides a positive example that reinforces itself. Any number of aspects can be taught this way including project/time management, resource citing, and general language usage.
Absolutely true, Ron. I've addressed this point in the forum for an earlier module in this course, so won't belabor the point (too much) here, but...
As educators, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard than the public at large, and work to bring our students up to that standard as well. Whether in the more involved writing projects you've addressed above, as well as research summaries, creative briefs, project summaries, client correspondences, even day-to-day business emails. Students need to understand that even the most brilliant visual work will be tarnished, even if only a little, if the supplementary materials that accompany it paint a portrait of the artist as sub-literate.
I absolutely agree! But I'll throw in that as a writing instructor, I get all kinds of credibility when students know that I've published lots of articles. Periodically I also write letters to the editor of our local newspaper. It's amazing how impressed some students are when they see their instructor's name in print!
Dr. Kendra Gaines
I am honored to facilitate core courses (general education courses) because I lay a critical foundation for their learning. The diverse learning abilities are obvious in these foundational courses. I believe that reinforcing writing skills is an essential component to the learning process. We must provide the tools for our students to be successful. Reinforcement of writing skills throughout the academic experience will produce more effective communicators in any field of study. As instructors, we can all contribute to the success and growth our students.
Reinforcing writing skills in core courses in critical to every students’ success and helps them to understand “the big picture”. I often have students ask me “why are we doing this?”, “what does this have to do with me?”….. “I want to a Police Officer or Nurse”. My response to them is no matter what field you choose for your career path you will usually have to write something and it is imperative that it is grammatically correct and legible. For example, you may need to complete a hospital report or patient write-up, complete a citizen complaint or even a detail police report.
Providing students with real life examples that they can use to relate to their fields of study always helps and I do not end up being the “bad guy”.
Hi Leeta, as facilitator of ED106, I can only respond to your comments about the importance of writing skills by saying, "BRAVO!!"
Jay
Jay
Thank you very much!
I just want to add that even though I am a very young instructor, I really find it hard to believe that students have no desire to educate themselves beyond what is required. Even if they do not want to do something, I just want them to understand the reasons behind core courses and the importance of writing.
But it is hard......
I'M a new instructor and my class pertains to utilizing software..
I find that using their subject content as topics in writing courses engages the students effectively.
What better way to use language skills. Almost all programs contain opportunities to use vocabulary and construct sentences. One can also utilize tools such as spell check or a grammar check. Good langauge ussage is not always demonstrated in short stories or poems.
I agree whole-heartedly. This is all about leading by example, setting the standards high, and "walking the walk". We need to embrace significant enthusiasm, professionalism and balanced communication skills in our classrooms as role models for the students. You gave the example of teaching animation - the same could be said for mathematics. Students might expect a lack of communication and energy but you can wow them with providing it daily!
I agree. I work with instructors who frequently hear from adult students who question why they need to learn grammar, word usage and spelling. Having the ability to write correctly and effectively immediately translates to speaking correctly and more effectively as well. No matter what the field, written and verbal communication is necessary. I come across people all the time in my daily life who speak using very poor grammar. I think about what the first impression a potential employer would have of these individuals. There are so many missed opportunities for people who do not understand the importance of effective communication.
