CD Project

On Monday a group presented a possible lesson plan using soundtracks with texts. I have done projects like this in middle school, and I remember Dr. Hicks discussing similar projects in his methods courses. I must admit that I enjoy how the multimodality of this project allows for students to recognize how some forms of popular culture can be considered higher art. This also allows for the students to use their own interests in the project, incorporating songs that hold meaning to them into the soundtrack.

One modification I would like to try is having the students write lyrics to a song to be the them song for the soundtrack. Many musicians create songs just for films such as Daft Punk's soundtrack for Tron Legacy. This would allow the students to practice a different medium for writing that they may not always get a chance to practice in class.

Cheers,
The Jesse Jennings

Puppets & Teaching

So recently I went to the library with my Young Adult Literature class to examine textbooks and manipulatives that I could possibly use in the classroom. I had mixed feelings about the text books, but that is a post for another time. I actually spent more time focusing on the 'manipulatives' that could be used in the English classroom. I managed to find a few board games that could be used in the classroom, but I believe that the majority of these games could be played without the boards and pieces. I never quite thought about how few manipulatives exist for literature courses, but one thing that stuck out to me was puppets. Now I know this may seem crazy, but I believe that I could use puppets to teach something in a more interesting manner. I mean, it is not what you teach that matters, it is how you teach it.

Take grammar for instance. Who would not want to learn grammar from Gus the Grammar Goat? I know I tend to recollect information better in absurd situations. I remember once in high school we were taught a song and dance for the formula for momentum in a physics course. And although it was an absurd activity, I will never forget that M*V=Momentum. I feel like using something as entertaining as a puppet would allow the students to retain the information, but this could easily become a gimmicky sort of activity that hinders the students's learning. Activities like this cannot be used for everything, but I feel like I will be able to use puppets to teach grammar in a more memorable manner.

Cheers,
The Jesse Jennings

Process Based Theater

Process based theater has tickled my fancy, and I know I will be using this in my student teaching in the fall. When students study plays, they often merely read the play-- the teacher will probably show a few clips from various performances, but I feel as if many students do not grasp the dynamics of theater without performing themselves. Process based theater can work as a medium for developing a student's understanding of improvisation. Although, an issue with this is that many students do not wish to participate in process based theater, due to their own stage fright or shyness. I am unsure of how to encourage students who do not wish to act to participate in the activity, which is why Dan and I are incorporating a combination of flash fiction and process based drama in our final lesson plan. I feel as if requiring the students to write prior to (and after) the activity will allow students to better their ability to interpret texts, allowing them to see the world through different lessons.
Cheers,
The Jesse Jennings

"Knite"

Originally I was planning on writing something about roleplaying in the classroom to contribute to student learning, and how roleplaying possibly perpetuates one's empathy. But a friend sent me a webcomic with a unique format. Most webcomics remain rather static, where all the panels are on one page. But this webcomic uses one square panel that does not change, and you scroll through each panel, only seeing one panel at a time. The comic is called "Knite" and would go well with a unit on graphic novels, due to the fact that it gives students an example of a unique webcomic. The majority of webcomics are humorous, but this one seems to have a much more serious tone, which ultimately stems from issues in China's economy and environment.

Here is a link to the comic-- please check it out. The artwork is amazing!

Cheers,
The Jesse Jennings

Mega Ran's "Language Arts"

So this gentleman who goes by Mega Ran is currently working on a multimodal project, which caught my attention. Mega Ran plans on combining several of his favorite things in a collaborative project-- using comic books, music, and video games to create a coherent aesthetic piece. Click here to check out more information on his project. Seeing how some of us are presenting information about multigenre and multimodal projects at a conference soon, I figured this project might float some of your boats.

Also note that Mega Ran is taking donations for this project, but I would not exactly call it a donation. If you pay a certain amount, then you will get a 'free' copy of his album and other things, depending on how much you pay. I am probably going to throw down some cash for this later this week, because it seems like a good cause and I am banking on the fact that the artwork and music will not be mediocre.

Cheers,
The Jesse Jennings

Pen vs Pencil

Recently I had to go to the store to pick up some more pencils, and I started talking to friends about past classes and how some teachers required them to only write in pen. As an old, decrepit fellow, I can see this as being reasonable. My eyes are getting old and worn out-- when I read a student's essay, I want to be able to see it. Sometimes pencil marks smear and fade, which can make things difficult. With pen there is a permanency to the writing. It stays there, it cannot be erased, only scratched out. For a more quantitative exam, a student may attempt to erase an answer written in pencil, claiming that I made a mistake with grading. I suppose one could argue that a student may attempt to do the same with pen, but I think if someone scratches out an answer, that it is not nearly as subtle as erasing it.

Another issue in the Pen vs Pencil debate remains the type of work that one is having students do. Often times with free writing, we cannot properly organize our thoughts. So we will spend a great deal of time scratching out the word vomit that we produce. I believe teachers ought to expect students to carry both pens and pencils on them in English classrooms. Diagramming sentences is pretty tricky with pens, after all.

Cheers,
The Jesse Jennings

20 Shot Film vs Free Film

After completing our 20 Shot Film project, I have a few reflections that deal with the freedom of the project and time constraints. In a high school classroom, I would naturally give the class more time for this project, but since I have never used this project in a high school classroom, I am unsure of how long it would take. I feel as if there ought to be a larger unit on film techniques as well, showing the students things about backlighting.

I would love to use this project in a unit plan on visual literacy, but I would also prefer to give the students more freedom with the project. I think the students may be able to develop their ideas more by doing a film with more than 20 shots, and allowing the students to use editing software would develop their understanding of the creation of films.

Cheers,
The Jesse Jennings