Wow, wow, wow…I have to say I’m relieved yet a bit sad that class is over. It has been quite a learning experience for me going back to school after all these years and it did take some time for my mind to get back into the swing of things. I had my boyfriend read my last essay tonight, my final and he was impressed, not because it was all that good (my words not his), but it was more the “structure” of the essay. Hearing him say that to me made it all worthwhile and John, that’s what you were teaching us; how to write particular styles of essays. He actually said he could follow the process of what I was explaining and he especially liked the final paragraph, how it tied the story together. Looks like I learned something this semester!
I will admit taking classes while working full time is for crazy people, but I’m driven and plan to do whatever it takes to get my degree and I’m very excited I’ve chosen this college to begin my journey. The class was well worth the money, you are a true teacher and I’m very happy with my results of what I learned over these past few months. As far as changes, I could only wish at times, there was less homework, but this could be because I was so unaccustomed to doing homework, not sure?? I enjoyed some of the writing yet struggled through other times especially during re-writes. There were times I wanted to scream, but walking away and taking a breather once in a while seemed to help get me through it. I was looking at the big picture, the end result, and knew I wanted to have a great grade in the end to not only prove to myself but for those who may have thought I couldn’t do it. I don’t have any suggestions for changes at this time, your site was very self explanatory and easy to follow. I don’t recall running into anything I couldn’t understand as to what you were requesting me to do. Maybe I’ll take another class with you before my 2 years is up? We’ll see……
Part 2
Well, my mind is going back to the beginning of class and it seems like I can remember everything I’ve written considering it was all nonfiction. Some stories made me smile while others brought back painful memories as I was typing. Some came to me and I couldn’t type them fast enough while others had me on stall at the keyboard for hours on end. As sickening as it may sound, the one I did about the worst teacher literally made my hair stand up on my arms. I scared myself while writing that piece and could have sworn I heard the screams in my head like I was right there all over again……And to think I was so afraid I wouldn’t have anything to write for that particular essay because I truly couldn’t remember a teacher I didn’t like! I liked them all!!I must have had that particular school year buried way deep down and I recall freaking out because the essay was due in a day or so and I had nothing. Seriously, my heart was racing by the time I got near the end of that story. Very strange feeling…..
I loved the one about my person; my grandmother; the disaster one was another piece that flowed, I didn’t have to change anything, and it just flowed out, without hesitation. I liked them all, every story was a part of me, whether positive or negative and my writing because of this class has enabled me to capture a trip down memory lane, something I haven’t taken the time to do in a very long time. So it’s been all good as far as I’m concerned. Thank you for the class, thank you for teaching me and thank you for the memories.
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I'm glad you remember the worst teacher--my goal in assigning that right off is to give people the sense of what it's like to come up with unforgettable details.
ReplyDeleteLess homework? I'd love to give less homework. I've worked very hard every single day since the first draft of the isearches came in, and the last day of the nonstop work (Tuesday) I read from 6 am to 10 pm with just a few breaks.
And the truth is I can design my own course. No one is going to come back on me and say, 'YOu have to give them more!' I could give you three or four essays and one research paper for the whole semester and have you spend infinite amounts of time revising and reworking.
Of course, I would only have to read the first and last revisions.
;)
A lot less work for me and for you!
But I don't agree with that approach, the I-only-accept-perfect-work approach. I assign lots of stuff, knowing that some of it will work, some of it won't, but figuring (like a slots gambler!) that the more chances I offer, the more likely the student will hit the jackpot.
My boss Steve and I both wondered how on earth you are able to keep up with so many students and so many papers. We hit it on the head, you basically work around the clock, you're obviously driven and enjoy what you do.... and that is teach.
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