Forward and Onward

So, this blog post will be less focused on composition theory and pedagogical practices in FYC, and more of a reflection of my work this semester. 

I have learned a lot, both in my classes and in the creation of my blog. I am very happy with my blog so far. While you, my lovely viewer, have likely not seen all of the edits I have implemented on my blog, this site (as well as my FYC courses as a whole), has gone though immense revision. I started this blog with a floral theme, and then I tried to implement a beachy theme. After deciding that my FYC courses will be focused on storytelling and analyzing the stories within our own lives, I decided to make that the forefront of my blog. As you can see, there are many images with books, writing, and situations that capture the storytelling essence (at least in my mind), like a campfire:

As this site has evolved, so have my thoughts surrounding composition and pedagogy. For the most part, I believe it is extremely important to give students time to reflect upon the materials they are learning. This blog has definitely served that purpose for me, as the majority of the blog posts so far have been in response to readings and discussions for my class. It was this new found belief that inspired me to implement free writing activities daily in my courses, as well as some kind of peer-review or mini assignment that will allow students to reflect on course material and prepare for major assignments, which you can find more about here. 

This blog has also highlighted me the importance of ensuring students know why they are learning the material that they are learning. As I have reflected and written about course material I have learning, I am having a better understanding why I am reading the things I am reading and what my professor's goals are for my learning outcomes. While I think this can be copied by having students reflect on course material, I also think this could be implemented by outlining the importance of the material early on. In my ENGL 1101 course, I have integrated an "Introductory Unit," in which case I plan on teaching students why they are required to take an FYC course and how this course will benefit them in the future. You can find more information regarding my introductory unit here, and how it will unfold in the course schedule here. 

I believe this newfound importance of ensuring students have opportunities to reflect and understand what it is that they are learning is partly why my course lacks many assignments (at least in my eyes), as I want to ensure that student's focus is largely focused on the major assignments, and they have enough time to put their full energy in those assignments. I have had classes where it felt like every week we had many assignments but never enough time to dedicate toward the assignments that actually impacted my grade. That is why I have integrated weekly peer-reviewed discussion boards every week as I hope it will allow students to practice material, all while giving them time to work on the major assignment. Don't get me wrong, students will still be working on other assignments that will help them learn course material but these assignments will largely be held in class and be graded in the in-class participation category. 

Going forward, I will likely use this blog throughout my KSU career, not only as a source to reference but as a time capsule as I grow as an educator and student. Keep your eye out for more blog posts summarizing my time in comp rhet and creative writing courses, as well as more artifacts that will hopefully represent my growth as a student. 

Overall, I have learned a lot during my time at KSU and through the creation of this blog, and I hope to always be in the process of learning, as I genuinely believe it not only helps me as a student and academic, but as a person navigating the world.