Any Questions?
Discussion Topic
Here's a chance to compare notes with the other students in your section, see what people found interesting, and help each other understand the material. Sometimes hearing another student's question makes you aware of something you're confused about, and answering a question for another student helps to clarify your understanding.
Your initial posting in this activity should be one of the following:
- Your description of one reading, activity, or idea from this unit you found interesting or surprising.
- A question about something that confuses you. Another student or your instructor will answer it. (Your instructor will monitor this discussion to make sure the answers posted are accurate. If you see an answer posted by another student that you're not sure is correct, post your concerns or ask your instructor about it.)
As a follow-up posting, consider answering a question posted by another student (if you're sure of what you're talking about!). Or, if you have a similar question, add to the existing question.
Scoring
This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first posting. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.
I enjoy learning in this manner and it is a new way for me to learn at my own pace. The only downside, if I have a question, it is difficult for me to ask a teacher at that moment. My question here is, I understand what the text says, but I still do not see the difference between bubble brainstorming and branching. Can someone please explain?
ReplyDeleteI like the writing process described and explained during this unit. Also, this course makes it easy for me to set my own pace which i really apreciate. However, I don't like to feel lost, so when I come across a point that I do not understand, I would like to be able to contact my instructor at that point.
ReplyDeleteOne question that I have concerning the material in this unit is that I don't understand the difference between critical reading and close reading. I thought that someone had mentioned that they were practically the same thing but today someone else said they were two completely different concepts? Could someone tell me the difference?
To Christian:
ReplyDeleteI think that bubble brainstorming and branching are the same concept, where you come up with one singular idea and try to expand from that idea. However, the difference lies in the visual aspect of each since in bubble brainstorming, they are a bunch of circles connected by lines. In branching, the main idea is written in the 'trunk' and the other ideas are to be branched off.
Original:
ReplyDeleteMy concern is the idea of metacognition. I do this sometimes usually unconscious of the fact that I am thinking about what I am thinking. However, I feel like its something that you have to train your mind to do otherwise it never happens. My question is how many of you track how you react to something that your reading. I found the activity on the "A and P" short story interesting, mostly because it was the first reading we actually went over so I was able to compare my own analysis to everyone else’s,. Having a readers journal seems odd to me, especially the structure of it shown in the lesson. I don't like the reader journal because I feel that by focusing on the details I'll miss the whole plot or overarching theme, which is probably a misconception of mine.
I enjoy being able to work at my own pace, and in my own surroundings. However, it is hard to have unclear concepts explained through this system. Like Jasbir, I also do not understand the difference between close and critical reading. While I am sure they are very similar I would like to be able to differentiate the techniques.
ReplyDeleteI definitely like being able to work at my own pace, at the time I work best. Nonetheless, I feel like I'm having to play the role of the teacher at home. I don't like having to teach myself and answer my own questions, I feel like I need more teacher-student interaction.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite reading so far was the Raven. This has become one of my favorite poems from reading it over the years; every time I'm introduced to it, I'm able to go deeper into analysis of what's going on in the poem.
To Christian & Jasbir,
ReplyDeleteI was having trouble distinguishing between bubble brainstorming and branching as well. Thanks for the clarification!
Original:
ReplyDeleteOne reading I found interesting was John Updike's short story, A & P. Once I fully analyzed the story, I became more intrigued by it. It is interesting to me to see how people who conform to society, become liberated. Once Sammy saw the girls in the bathing suits, not only was he "awe-strucked" by Queenie, he noticed how free and liberated she was, and Sammy admired that (along with other things). I get really confused with critical and close reading. I am sure that it would be essential for me to use during the SAT. However, I just need some tips to help me use close and critical reading. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!
Original:
ReplyDeleteHonestly, the reading of John Updike's short story, A&P was intriguing, but I didn't exactly like the manner that it was presented in. I would've preferred class rationalization instead of reading a story that we had to find on the internet. Though this will be helpful for test taking as we can't ask each other for answers during the AP Exam, for our first actual literature analysis I believe that we should've been given more thorough guidelines. The online course outlined it, but didn't really provide the foundation for it. Now I only say this because it was our first one, if it was our second or third it wouldn't of been an issue and really isn't. But I just believe that providing a more clarified foundation would've been better.
I appreciated describing my writing the process the most. Having to actually describe it in words and be honest with myself about my writing process helped me see the flaws in my writing. Futuristically speaking, I hope it will help me improve as a writer as well. Seeing other people's descriptions of their process was also helpful, because I think I might incorporate new techniques.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to ask a question, I would ask how others keep themselves motivated to stay at pace or even get ahead when you're just not interested in the topic or assignment.
In Response To Jalin:
ReplyDeleteI see that you need some tips on close reading. I found a site that outlines 10 pretty good tips that should help you and your concerns. It includes paraphrasing, looking at key words and phrases, as well as focusing on the speaker of the piece of literature. Here it is, hope it helps:
http://mason.gmu.edu/~rmatz/close_reading.htm
Original:
ReplyDeleteI found the description of the prewriting stage to be interesting. This is because i never considered it to begin with reading. However, it makes sense to take notes while reading and to be aware of my emotions and responses to specific parts of the text. This is because it will help me to formulate insightful ideas once i review these notes. In addition, i liked the tips for brainstorming because they allow me to fully flesh out my ideas completely without being concerned with mechanics that may stop my flow of thinking. I believe that the prewriting stage explained will allow me to have more organized developed ideas.
To Ellysa:
ReplyDeleteI am also concerned about the idea of metacognition. This is because, i don't know about any of you, but i am not use to thinking about my thinking. Therefore, breaking down my thinking and reflecting on why i thought what i thought and what urged that thought will have to be an ability that i continuously practice and develop.
To Ellyssa,
ReplyDeleteI feel there are various ways to track your reactions to readings. First, one can keep a journal, or one could simply write there immediate reaction on post-its as they read. In my own experience, I enjoy mentally preforming metacognition. As I read I like to comment on the plot and question unclear concepts to stimulate deeper understanding of the text. I feel comparison helps stimulate a deeper understanding of the hidden meaning.
Original: My understanding of close and critical reading grew via looking at the slide shows and notes in these online lessons. Close reading involves taking a confusing or interesting piece and annotating and analyzing it to its fullest potential. The reader makes conclusions about the entire text from this analysis. Critical reading is similar to close reading. However, in close reading, the reader analyzes the text overall for themes and concepts. Two terms that I still have trouble understanding the difference between are mood and tone. Can anyone point out the differences between the two?
ReplyDeleteOriginal:
ReplyDeleteI liked reading John Updike’s story “A & P.” I found it interesting because the story was not like what we are normally used to reading. I liked trying to disperse the meaning and symbolism of the story. Even though the story seemed to be “cut-and-dry”, there were a lot of things that needed to be analyzed. For example Sammy did not only quit his job at the end because the manager embarrassed the group of girls, he quit his job for numerous other reasons. I am confused with metacognition. I have no idea exactly what the video was saying. I don not understand the concept of “thinking of your thinking.” How can you think of your thinking while your thinking?
To Ellysa:
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. You can think about what your thinking unconsciously, however, I believe when you start to focus about thinking about what your thinking, you cannot think of anything, your mind becomes blank. I also believe that it would take a long time to read a book using metacognition. As for the reader’s journal, I think it is useful when you want to remember something that you have read or when you subconsciously analyze something and do not want to forget. For example, I remember reading “The Things They Carried” and thinking about the impact of the main character’s journey across the lake in the boat, however, I cannot remember exactly what I though about it. In this instance, I think a reader’s journal would be very helpful.
To Shevana and Ellysa: I also feel that metacognition is a confusing task. I feel as if I have to constantly think about what i am reading and ,thus, my mind will become jumbled. However, I like Maggie's idea of keeping post-its as well as the free writing that Cherisse touched upon. Those methods keep students organized.
ReplyDeleteOriginal: Honestly, I do find the reading and writing strategies to be extremely helpful. I think that if I continuously employ the strategies taught in this unit then my writing as well as my reading will improve. I also love the fact that I can work on my own schedule and at my own pace. My concern with this course is the feeling of teaching my self that I get when studying the notes. I just feel as though I have to be both the student and the teacher and its hard not being able to have a person there to answer questions that may come up. The only question that I have is similar to most people, and that is the whole concept of metacognition. I think that I actually do apply the concept subconsciously but when it comes to explaining it I am completely lost.
ReplyDeleteTo Sherifa: I believe that the two terms are interchangeable. I feel this way because when reading a piece of literature you might get the feeling that the mood of the text is very aggressive, doesn't that also mean that the writer employs an aggressive tone?
ReplyDeleteI found one part of the presentation really strange. It advised an out loud reading. Maybe read out loud when you're alone, but do that during the AP test... Disqualified much?
ReplyDeleteTo: Shevana
ReplyDeleteI agree! A & P is completely unorthodox for an AP read. It's pretty hard to believe that it was published in the New Yorker. Then again, it discusses a couple of major literary themes- but it is completely simplified and to the point.
To Shahnaj:
ReplyDeleteI was honestly thinking the same thing. I was about to bring it up in class as well because I kept seeing this advice everywhere in the unit. If we were to read a poem out loud during the AP Exam we would be in serious trouble. But I guess, if you don't think about it literally, they meant to advise this for the remainder of the course, not for the actual AP.
Original:
ReplyDeleteI find the reading and writing strategies to be very helpful. The whole concept of this unit is well organized and well explained. I enjoy working at my own pace and find working on my own schedule very helpful as well. The only problem that i am concerned with is that i have to somehow answer my own questions which can be impossible at times. I feel like we have to take over the role of a student and a teacher at the same time. I am interested in how others keep themselves organized with all the notes and how do they keep themselves interested in a topic or assignment that they have a hard time understanding it?
Original :
ReplyDeletethe things i found interesting was the various ways of writing an essay and the format you can use. i did not know their was a specific word for outlining and drafting, which is free writing and prewriting. these steps can be helpful in completing a well polished essay.
My difficulties is being able to close read, and look more analytical at literature. i do not understand how outside knowledge can be put into a 3 sentence poem or literature (the raven)
To Shahnaj:
ReplyDeleteI agree with the whole read aloud on poetry, I dont think that would be the best decision to do during an AP test. But I think the point of that was to allow the reader to understand and comprehend the reading during classwork and times during discussion. But in general, I think read out loud during the AP exam is HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED!!
I love using the online course, becuase it gives me an opportunity to review parts of the course that may be a bit confusing. It allows me to press play, pause, stop and rewind as many times as necessary until I do understand the material. I greatly enjoyed A & P by John Updike, in this unit becuase like Shevana stated there were numerous symbols in the story and the author did not frankly give you everything. It was interesthing, definitely a page turner. My concern with the subject matter definitely goes into the aspects of applying the material on the AP test and even regular tests and quizzes. I am not comfortable with beginning a close reading on my own. I feel as though I need a physical example or a step by step visual process on how to sucessfully complete a closed reading. I also am worried about analyzing poetry, because I feel as though my analysis of poetry will be extremely subjective and will comprise of excessive commentary and not "regular analysis".
ReplyDeleteSo far, I enjoy this method of learning, being able to read and learn at my own pace in my own environment which makes me feel like I am retaining more than I would in the classroom. I also enjoyed A & P. I found it refreshing, interesting, and different compared to the literature were used to reading in school. I hope that we continue to receive reading material like this.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Shahnaj
ReplyDeleteI believe your being extremely closed minded when it comes to Updike's story of A & P. You need to go beyond the literal, and delve into what others can't see. It is not a bad choice for an AP read given that, it allows us as students to read many different types of literature form many different time periods. That is the point of the course isn't it? You want to be able to be open-minded to different novels that can peak or ruin your interest. In this case, A & P was just not suited for you. When it comes to reading out loud during the exam, I don't think they meant it literally, becuase most people would use their common sense to realise that reading aloud, would count as speaking which is automatic removal from the examination room. I believe it's a bit ridiculous and naive on your part to believe the course would advise you on disqualifying yourself from the exam. It's designed to help you pass not fail! You need to be a bit more open-minded , and try to curb your levels of literal. Think outside the box for a bit!
It seems like the writing rules are constantly taught in used over and over again. In every subject from english to history and even spanish use prewriting, writing, editing, and revisions. This is why found the reading tips most helpful. I often struggle with the reading and understanding of text and not the writing itself. It showed me things I already knew explain somethings I often didnt understand fully and showed me new strategies.
ReplyDeleteTo Paulina
ReplyDeleteI understand your issue of being student and teacher. I mean the whole point in having a question is the fact that you are uncertain of the answer. What you can do is use your prior knowledge or information from the text to fid the answer or give you some what of a better understanding.
Original:
ReplyDeleteI found the idea of metacognition to be pretty interesting myself, as it takes thinking to the next level. Basically, you need to think about why what you read makes you feel a certain way, or causes you to draw conclusions, et cetera. I liked Updike's "A&P" as well, and it seems many of my classmates share my sentiments toward the story. The story of a teenage boy making a radical change in his life because of a seemingly small experience really registered with me.
To Shevana (and anyone else with this question):
ReplyDeleteLike I said in my previous post, metacognition is more of thinking about your reactions and ideas that you get from reading. I admit that the idea of "thinking while you're thinking" can be confusing, but basically it's saying that you need to think about why and/or how the reading makes you think, feel, or remember certain things. I hope that clears things up.
To Jon:
ReplyDeleteYes it does clear things up. Thanks, I finally understand the idea of metacognition.
Personally I enjoyed the Story of an Hour the most out of the works we have read so far. I found the irony in it brilliant and unsuspecting. It was nice to finally be suprised and enjoy writing about a piece of work again.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Alex...
ReplyDeleteI also have quite a hard time focusing on topics I am not interested. I know how you feel and what I try to do is find something I enjoy out of the topic. I hate math, but when I am doinng calculus for example I will try to pretend the problem applies to building a temple or strategizing a war or an elaborate plot, something I actually enjoy to do. This helps you stay concentrated but more importantly enjoy what your doing.