I taught 106 mainly in two approaches:
The first one was Writing Into the University Community. It so happened students’ concerns were roughly the same. And the student body seemed to have come from extremely similar backgrounds.
Students also wanted more freedom.
The second approach was geared towards Internationals. It was called Sequenced Writing Approach. Each student got to pick what he or she liked and conduct extensive research into their topic. Since almost each student came from a different cultural background (they came from everywhere in the world), it really paid off. It felt like getting to know so many fascinating life stories. I love stories, especially those that inspire.
Teaching was heavy but fun.
This time I return to a student body that is roughly 70% with similar backgrounds with the 30% functioning as adorning flowers or trees. The picture looks really nice. That is my guess. I haven’t got a chance to get to know my students yet.
However, the designated nature of the class remains the same as the first course.
I decide to add more to the Sequenced Approach. I am asking the students to investigate five cultural myths that the American culture is teaching everyone, native or foreign, to cherish and hold dear to their hearts.
Each myth is presented with multiple snapshots covering the entire cultural history of the country.
I am only picking one or two articles for class reading, though. The main focus is still composing.
Each student is asked to search for his or her real passion so as to write himself or herself into the intricate fabric of American culture as well as into the world. I want them to become bridge builders.
Let the investigation begin!
Students basically need to answer the three following questions:
Who am I? Where have I been? Where am I going?
Isha Gandhi said,
October 2, 2009 at 1:02 am
What does the author of The Black Avenger want African-Americans to let go and what does he think the world has for African-Americans?
What kind of solutions would you offer for middle class?
watchcloudsrising said,
October 2, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Those are huge questions that defy easy answers.
For the first question, one might say one has to take the world as it is, not as one would like to see it is. Recognize the existence of the problem, air their pain if have to, but the most important part of it they have to move on and make something out of their life. Wallowing in injustices and pain only brings more injustices and pain, not less. It is easier said than done, though.
They have to move forward, even if they have to crawl sometimes. If one foot has been chopped off, they have to learn to grow new ones to survive.
In fact, when I write down questions for the class to discuss, I remember I ask students what changes they would like to propose. But it seems no one has offered any suggestions for change. The majority of the class goes on to question whether the picture is really this bleak and everyone insists that there must be some space for hope of change.
Most people are hopeful. That is a good sign, especially during such a period where anywhere you turn you hear nothing but bleak news. The most determined ones might have a chance. Not everyone is going to, though.
Those are some understandings only.