Positioning Students for Written Interaction does just that, describes the Steph’s overall goal, process and motivation for much of the online writing our classes have done to date. Steph’s English 112 class seems receptive to the idea of feedback as a way to build skills, practice writing, and learn from one another.
The students consider Steph’s suggestions for giving better feedback. Redsoxfan218 notes that good feedback should summarize the perceived main “narrative thread.” In doing so the reader lets the writer know if what they intended to say was communicated. Feedback may also help the writer to identify and clarify the thesis. Tres choutte notes that feedback may help the writer by pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the writing. Feedback should offer suggestions to help the writer improv, not just positive remarks.
One recurring theme in the blog-posts and throughout our Com 375 class is that this class is unlike any other we’re had. The English 112 students seem to be excited about this somewhat novel way of teaching. I would argue that the main reason they’re excited is that they’re sharing ideas and becoming better, more intentional, writers as a result. I think this could be achieved with or without the internet wiki aspect of class. The publicity of the wiki does give our writing another layer of consequence. We’re not just sharing with the professor and one or two students, but opening it up for feedback from whoever. Literally. Let’s see if we can get “whoever” to take the time to read and add their two cents.
