Sunday 4 May 2014

Week 17

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Learning Tasks for Monday, April 28

Essential Question:  How can writing and revising a rough draft improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-provide constructive feedback to others' writing.
-revise my writing based using feedback from peers.


1.  Peer Editing

Exchange papers with at least one classmate.  Read through his/her final draft and mark any mechanical errors that you identify.   Things to keep in mind:
  • punctuation (especially commas, semicolons, and colons)
  • sentence structure
  • vocabulary/diction
  • spelling
  • person and tense

2. Revise

Using your peers' feedback, revising your writing.  Be sure to also use previous feedback from Mr. Ziebart.

3.  Submit

Once you have revised your paper, submit your final draft to Blackboard. CONGRATS- YOU DID IT!!!!! :D

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Learning Tasks for Tuesday, May 6 - Friday, May 9

Essential Question:  How do purpose and audience affect writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-analyze the purpose and audience of my writing.
-revise my writing based using feedback from peers.

1.  Writing into the Day



2. Final Portfolio

For your final portfolio, you will significantly revise and showcase one of your papers from this course. It is up to you which paper you would like to significantly revise. In revising your work, you will reconsider your writing for a different purpose, audience, and/or genre.  For this reason, writing portfolios do not necessarily have to be in academic format. They can include genres such as brochures, comics, pamphlets, advertisements, digital/video presentations, and websites (although note that whichever genre you choose must be appropriate for its intended audience and purpose).  We will brainstorm and discuss ideas for revision during class.
Components:
  • Your original paper
  • Feedback from your instructor
  • Peer review of your paper
  • Revised paper
  • Revised paper in a new format (brochure, comic, website, advertisement, etc…)
  • Cover letter
Guidelines:
  • The portfolio should be in either a Google Doc folder or, if you choose to submit a hard copy, in a physical folder.
  • The portfolio must be clearly labeled and organized. How you do that is your choosing.
  • The portfolio must also include a cover letter, which we will complete on Exam Day.

The goal of this project is to get you thinking about audience and purpose.  For your cover letter, you will be asked to justify the changes you made to your paper by identifying the specific needs of its audience and how your new project fulfills its purpose.  Be sure to be mindful of the revisions you make so that you are able to thoroughly explain them in your cover letter.

Sunday 27 April 2014

Week 16

Learning Tasks for Monday, April 28

Essential Question:  How can writing and revising a rough draft improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-provide constructive feedback to others' writing.
-revise my writing based using feedback from peers.

1.  Peer Review
You will be given a copy of an anonymous peer's paper.  Using a pen or highlighter, mark strengths and weaknesses that the writer should focus on during this week's revision.  At the end of the page (or on the back side), write a brief paragraph summarizing your feedback to the writer.

Key concepts to keep in mind:

  • thesis
  • organization
  • elaboration
  • transitions
  • staying focused
  • clarity


2.  Revision
Once you get your paper back, read through your peer's comments.  Based on their feedback, continue drafting/revising your paper.

Learning Tasks for Tuesday, April 29

Essential Question:  How can writing and revising a rough draft improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-revise my writing based on feedback.

1.  Revision and Conferences
While you are revising your papers, Ms. Jones will meet with each of you one-on-one to discuss your writing.

Learning Tasks for Wednesday, April 30

Essential Question:  How can writing and revising a rough draft improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-revise my writing based on feedback.

1.  Revision and Conferences
While you are revising your papers, Ms. Jones will meet with each of you one-on-one to discuss your writing.


Learning Tasks for Thursday, May 1

Essential Question:  How can writing and revising a rough draft improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-revise my writing based on feedback.

1.  Revision and Conferences
While you are revising your papers, Ms. Jones will meet with each of you one-on-one to discuss your writing.

Learning Tasks for Friday, May 2

Essential Question:  How can writing and revising a rough draft improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-provide constructive feedback to others' writing.
-revise my writing based using feedback from peers.

1.  Peer review



Monday 21 April 2014

Week 15

Learning Tasks for Tuesday, April 22

Essential Question:  Why is it important to first write a rough draft of your paper?

Objectives:  I can...
-identify and use a drafting technique that works for me.

1. Writing into the Day




2.  Research Paper - Conferences and Drafting
Using any of the drafting techniques posted on the classroom wall (by the windows!), begin writing your rough draft. Remember, a rough draft is NOT a perfect draft!

While you are working, Ms. Jones will meet with each of you one-on-one to discuss your papers.


Learning Tasks for Wednesday, April 23

Essential Question:  Why is it important to first write a rough draft of your paper?

Objectives:  I can...
-revise my writing to improve clarity and cohesion.
-write a rough draft of an extended research paper.


1.  Writing into the Day
  

2.  Research Paper - Conferences and Drafting
Using any of the drafting techniques posted on the classroom wall (by the windows!), begin writing your rough draft. Remember, a rough draft is NOT a perfect draft!

While you are working, Ms. Jones will meet with each of you one-on-one to discuss your papers.

Learning Tasks for Thursday, April 24

Essential Question:  Why is it important to first write a rough draft of your paper?

Objectives:  I can...
-receive and apply feedback to my writing.
-draft an organized essay.

1. Writing into the Day


2.  Research Paper - Conferences and Drafting
Using any of the drafting techniques posted on the classroom wall (by the windows!), begin writing your rough draft. Remember, a rough draft is NOT a perfect draft!

While you are working, Ms. Jones will meet with each of you one-on-one to discuss your papers.

STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!!!




Learning Tasks for Friday, April 25

Essential Question: How can feedback improve your writing?

Objectives: I can...
-apply feedback to my writing.
-revise and edit my writing.

1. Writing into the Day 



2. Proofreading and Editing
On Blackboard, pull up your previous papers written for this course.  What aspects of your writing did Mr. Ziebart mark for improvement?  Make a list of the three issues that are most common in your previous papers (maybe commas? organization? length?).  Have you addressed those concerns in your current paper?

With a partner, you will proofread and edit your paper.  Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, formatting, and any other concerns that Mr. Ziebart noted in your previous papers.

2.  Revisions
Using feedback from your peers, Ms. Jones, and Mr. Ziebart, make any needed revisions to your paper before submitting your work to Blackboard.


3.  Submit your Work
Your rough draft is due today.  REMEMBER! It does not need to be a "good" or "perfect" paper yet.  Mr. Ziebart and I expect your writing to be less than par at this point.  That's the purpose of a ROUGH draft! :)

Saturday 12 April 2014

Week 14

Learning Tasks for Monday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 16


Essential Question:  How can outlines improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-construct a detailed paper outline.
-organize information using research note cards.

1. Outlining a Research Paper


From Mr. Ziebart:  "I want you to choose an outline format that best fits your writing style. Please keep in mind that this does not mean I will accept an outline that is vague and incomplete. I want to see evidence of research and organization. There should be a clear thesis, relevant source material with 'discussion' points, and a working conclusion."

Here is a link to some examples of good outlines:  http://www.austincc.edu/tmthomas/sample%20outline%201.htm

Here's another option for my visual learners!:

Learning Tasks for Thursday, April 10

Essential Question:  How can writing and revising a rough draft improve my writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-create a draft of an extended research paper.
-develop a clear thesis statement that defines my stance on my research topic.

1.  Drafting
Using your essay outline and note cards, start developing your rough draft.  As we've discussed throughout the semester, there isn't a right or wrong way to draft... just get those ideas on paper!!!! We'll refine them later, so no worries. :)

Your rough draft is due by next Friday.  After that, Mr. Ziebart and I will provide you feedback so that you can touch up your writing before submitting your final draft on Monday, May 5.


Happy Spring Break 2.0!


Sunday 6 April 2014

Week 13

Learning Tasks for Monday, April 7


Essential Question:  How do literacy skills promote effective communication and understanding?

Objectives:  I can...
-reflect on what I have learned this semester in English 111.
-analyze the expectations of the Research Essay.
-provide thoughtful feedback to my peers' ideas.

1. Writing into the Day
Set a SMART goal for Week Ten.  How will achieving this goal benefit you?  What resources or support do you need in order to reach your goal?


2.  Note Cards



Why use note cards?
-Note Cards are a way to manage ALL THE THINGS when you are overwhelmed with research information.  Research papers require you to browse and sort through many, many articles, which can easily lead to information overload.  Note cards allow researchers to keep their information organized,  recall where they found the information, and select which information they will quote/paraphrase in their papers.



What information should I include on my note cards?
-Each note card will feature a quote or piece of information that you want to include in your research paper.

On the lined side of your note card, you will write the following:

  • Subtopic that the source addresses. Example:  if you are writing about poverty, you might put "History of poverty," "Poverty and race," or "Definition of poverty."  You should have only one or two note cards with the same subtopic. This information goes in the upper left-hand corner.
  • Quote, statistic, or paraphrased idea from the source.  Any information that is a direct quote needs to have quotation marks (" ").This information goes in the lines of the note card.
  • In-text/parenthetical citation.  This is usually the author's last name and page number, but can vary depending on the source you are using.  Example: (Jones 23).  This information goes in the lower right-hand corner.
  • Optional:  if you already know how you are organizing your paper, many researchers find it helpful to "code" sources by numbering them in the order they will be used in your paper (example: Source 1, Source 2, Source 1A, Source 1B, etc.).  This information goes in the upper right-hand corner.


On the unlined side of the note card, write the MLA citation that will eventually go on your Works Cited page.  Note that if you are making several note cards from the same source, you only need to write the citation once.



How many note cards should I have?
-You need twenty note cards to receive full credit for this assignment, but you can absolutely have more, if needed.



Learning Tasks for Tuesday, April 8

Essential Question:  How do literacy skills promote effective communication and understanding?

Objectives:  I can...
-reflect on what I have learned this semester in English 111.
-analyze the expectations of the Research Essay.
-provide thoughtful feedback to my peers' ideas.

1.Note Cards

Continue working on those note cards!  Your goal should be to finish AT LEAST four cards by the end of class.  

For every note card you finish, a cute baby animal is born....



Learning Tasks for Wednesday, April 9

Essential Question:  Why is it important to first write a rough draft of your paper?

Objectives:  I can...
-generate ideas for a paper.
-identify and use a drafting technique that works for me.

1.  Note Cards
Continue working on those note cards!  Your goal should be to finish AT LEAST four cards by the end of class.  



Learning Tasks for Thursday, April 10

Essential Question:  How can feedback improve your writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-receive and apply feedback to my writing.
-draft an organized essay.

1. Note Cards
Continue working on those note cards!  Your goal should be to finish AT LEAST four cards by the end of class.  

STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!!!




Learning Tasks for Friday, April 11


Essential Question:  How can feedback improve your writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-receive and apply feedback to my writing.
-edit and revise my writing.

1.  Note Cards
Continue working on those note cards!  Your goal should be to finish AT LEAST four cards by the end of class.  


3.  Outline
When you finish your note cards, you can begin your paper outline (due Thursday, April 17).

From Mr. Ziebart:  "I want you to choose an outline format that best fits your writing style. Please keep in mind that this does not mean I will accept an outline that is vague and incomplete. I want to see evidence of research and organization. There should be a clear thesis, relevant source material with 'discussion' points, and a working conclusion."

Here is a link to some examples of good outlines: http://www.austincc.edu/tmthomas/sample%20outline%201.htm

Here's another option:


Sunday 30 March 2014

Week 12

Learning Tasks for Monday, March 31


Essential Question:  How do literacy skills promote effective communication and understanding?

Objectives:  I can...
-reflect on what I have learned this semester in English 111.
-analyze the expectations of the Research Essay.
-provide thoughtful feedback to my peers' ideas.

1. Writing into the Day
Set a SMART goal for Week Ten.  How will achieving this goal benefit you?  What resources or support do you need in order to reach your goal?


2.  Discussion Board #5
What concepts and strategies have you learned so far this semester that will help you succeed on the Research Essay?
Remember to reply to several other classmates!!!

Learning Tasks for Tuesday, April 1


Third time's a charm... GOOD LUCK ON THE ACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Learning Tasks for Wednesday, April 2


Essential Question:  Why is it important to first write a rough draft of your paper?

Objectives:  I can...
-generate ideas for a paper.
-identify and use a drafting technique that works for me.

1.  Essay #5 Brainstorming
Last essay of the semester!!! Let's do this!!! :)

2.  Drafting
Using any of the drafting techniques posted on the classroom wall (by the windows!), begin writing your rough draft.  Remember, a rough draft is NOT a perfect draft!




Learning Tasks for Thursday, April 3


Essential Question:  How can feedback improve your writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-receive and apply feedback to my writing.
-draft an organized essay.

1.  Essay #5 Conferences and Drafting

You will meet one-on-one with Ms. Jones to discuss your paper.  While you are waiting for your turn, you should be working on your draft.



Learning Tasks for Friday, April 4


Essential Question:  How can feedback improve your writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-receive and apply feedback to my writing.
-edit and revise my writing.


1. Proofreading and Editing
On Blackboard, pull up your previous four papers written for this course. What aspects of your writing did Mr. Ziebart mark for improvement? Have you addressed those concerns in your current paper?

With a partner, you will proofread and edit your paper. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, formatting, and any other concerns that Mr. Ziebart noted in your previous papers.

2. Revisions
Using feedback from your peers, Ms. Jones, and Mr. Ziebart, make any needed revisions to your paper before submitting your work to Blackboard.



Sunday 16 March 2014

Weeks Nine and Ten

Learning Tasks for Monday, March 17

Essential Question:  How does evaluating sources before writing your paper make the writing process more efficient?

Objectives:
I can locate sources for research.
I can evaluate sources using an annotated bibliography.

1. Writing into the Day
Set a SMART goal for Week Nine.  How will achieving this goal benefit you?  What resources or support do you need in order to reach your goal?


2.  Assignment #5
You're almost done with your last assignment of the semester- WOOHOO!!!!

Find four different types of sources (1 academic journal article from a database, 1 book in print, 1 periodical article online or in print, and 1 website) that cover the subject of economics in some fashion and evaluate each. Consider readings, class discussions, and lecture material on textual evaluation in your response.

Once everyone has found sources from an academic journal, periodical, and website, we will head over to the CCCC library and search for books on Economics.  You should submit your assignment by the end of class today.


3.  Conclusion
How does evaluating sources before writing your paper make the writing process easier?


Learning Tasks for Tuesday, March 18

GOOD LUCK ON THE ACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Learning Tasks for Wednesday, March 19

Essential Question:  How does evaluating sources before writing a paper make the writing process more efficient?

Objectives:
I can locate sources for a research project.
I can create an annotated bibliography.


1.  Writing into the Day



2.  Annotated Bibliography
The annotated bibliography for your Research Project is due by next Wednesday, March 26.  You will need to include SEVEN sources that you will tentatively use for your paper.  KEY WORD = TENTATIVELY.  Annotated bibliographies can change throughout the paper-writing process, so do NOT  feel like you are forever committed to the sources you choose.  Obviously, the better the sources you find now, the easier your life will be while writing the paper, but be aware of spending too much time trying to find the "perfect" source.  The most likely scenario is that you will switch around a few of your sources by the time you are done writing your paper.  For instance, you might find a loophole in your argument and need to find a source to help back you up.  On the other hand, you might also completely scrap a source from your annotated bibliography if you feel that it doesn't quite fit with your paper as you start writing.

Remember, annotated bibliographies:
-Are double-spaced throughout the entire document.
-Include a citation for each source in proper MLA formatting.
-Summarize, evaluate, and/or reflect on each source.  You will need to describe how this source fits into your research paper.

For additional review on annotated bibliographies, refer to Blackboard and your textbook.  You may also find this guide helpful:  Annotated Bibliographies: a Quick Guide



3.  Essay #4
Be aware that Essay #4 is due by Friday, March 28.  We will work on this essay in class next week, but I encourage you to begin as soon as you can!  See course syllabus for details.

Learning Tasks for Thursday, March 20

Essential Question:  How does evaluating sources before writing a paper make the writing process more efficient?

Objectives:
I can locate sources for a research project.
I can create an annotated bibliography.


1. Writing into the Day

From "Humans of New York":
"What’s the most frightened you’ve ever been?"
"Probably when I was five, and I learned I had Polio."
"What’s one way that Polio improved your life?"
"It made me more tolerant of failure in others."

Think of your biggest fears, failures, and challenges.  How can facing or overcoming them improve your life?

2.  Visit from Mr. Ziebart
Mr. Ziebart will be stopping by to discuss the Annotated Bibliography assignment.  What challenges are you encountering with the assignment?  Is there anything that you are still confused about?

3.  Annotated Bibliography
Continue working on your annotated bibliography.  You should have three sources complete by the end of today.


Learning Tasks for Friday, March 21

Essential Question:  How does evaluating sources before writing a paper make the writing process more efficient?

Objectives:
I can locate sources for a research project.
I can create an annotated bibliography.


1. Writing into the Day
Write an obituary for the last thing you threw away.

2.  Annotated Bibliography
Continue working on your annotated bibliography.  You should have at least five sources complete by the end of today.



Learning Tasks for Monday, March 24

Essential Question:  Why is brainstorming an essential part of the research process?

Objectives:
I can identify current issues in higher education.
I can brainstorm topics for a report.

1. Writing into the Day
Set a SMART goal for Week Ten.  How will achieving this goal benefit you?  What resources or support do you need in order to reach your goal?


2.  Annotated Bibliography
Continue working on your annotated bibliography.  You should have all seven sources complete today.

3.  Essay #4 Brainstorming
Prompt:  Create a 3-4 page report on some aspect of Higher Education. Consider readings, class discussions, and lecture material on reporting information in your response.

Spend time creating a list of issues in higher education.  The following websites may be useful if you are unsure about current issues:
Topics in Higher Education
ProCon.org: Higher Ed
White House: Issues in Higher Education

***By the end of class, you should should have a topic selected and begin finding sources for your paper.


Learning Tasks for Tuesday, March 25

Essential Question:  Why are drafting techniques an important part of the research process?

Objectives:
I can analyze a current issue in higher education.
I can create a thesis statement.

1.  Writing into the Day


2. Visit from Mr. Ziebart
Mr. Ziebart will be dropping by to discuss Essay #4.  What challenges do you anticipate in writing your paper?  What are you still confused about?

3.Collecting Sources and Creating a Thesis
Continue collecting sources for your paper.  Once you have informed yourself about your topic, form a thesis statement for your paper.  Remember that your thesis must be a debatable claim and, in the case of a report, must relate to the information you have found on your topic.

4.  Drafting
Using any of the drafting techniques posted on the classroom wall (by the windows!), begin writing your rough draft.  Remember, a rough draft is NOT a perfect draft!
***Ms Jones will check your draft for a grade tomorrow, so be sure to work diligently.

Learning Tasks for Wednesday, March 26

Essential Question:  How do literacy skills promote effective communication and understanding?

Objectives:  I can...
-generate ideas for a paper.
-identify and use a drafting technique that works for me.

1.  Writing into the Day


2. Drafting
Using any of the drafting techniques posted on the classroom wall (by the windows!), begin writing your rough draft.  Remember, a rough draft is NOT a perfect draft!
***Ms Jones will check your draft for a grade tomorrow, so be sure to work diligently.

Learning Tasks for Thursday, March 27

Essential Question:  How can feedback improve your writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-receive and apply feedback to my writing.
-draft an organized essay.

1.  Writing into the Day
From "Humans of New York":
"Who would you say has influenced you most in your life?"
"My 7th grade math teacher, Mr. Tejada."
"How did he influence you?"
"It’s hard to explain. He’s the only one who would give me extra credit when I was failing. And if I didn’t know something, he’d know what to do."


Who has influenced YOU the most in your life?  Why?

2.  Conferences

You will meet one-on-one with Ms. Jones to discuss your paper.  While you are waiting for your turn, you should be working on your draft.

Learning Tasks for Friday, March 28

Essential Question:  How can feedback improve your writing?

Objectives:  I can...
-receive and apply feedback to my writing.
-edit and revise my writing.

1.  Writing into the Day


2.  Peer Review