To read the initial post about DR C's Academic Online Cruise, go HERE.
DR C—CAPTAIN'S LOG
ADVANCED ENGLISH COMPOSITION 102
ONBOARD AND ONLINE—WEEK FOUR: FEBRUARY 3 to FEBRUARY 9
ONBOARD—WEEK FOUR
Day One
My total focus is working to prepare the trainees for the upcoming midterm exam assignment. It is an argumentation assignment in which the hypothetical audience is the Congress of the United States. I may have mentioned this in an earlier blog post. By the end of Week Two, everyone should have posted his/her proposed topic keeping in mind that the topic had to be a controversial one that Congress may consider.
Each trainee had to propose at least one topic; however, s/he could, also, post more. Then, I would review and approve or not approve every topic posted. The post was to be very short and follow the same format: For or Against?
No discussion about the topic by anyone was to be added. If I did not approve a topic, I provided a detailed reason. I encouraged every trainee to read my reasons for disapproval to help them understand and see how a "critical reader" may view posts. Any topic approved, not just the one posted, anyone could choose for the assignment.
Teaching Argumentation is a Requirement
 |
| Bare Essentials Handbook |
* audience
* development of a thesis that states a position and reasons for that position
* development of support
* a respectful acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints
* a respectful refutation of those viewpoints
Having taught this discourse many times, I have asked my former trainees to critique my technique and the handbook used. They have given me very useful suggestions for improving my teaching and making the handbook even more effective in teaching this particular discourse. They have suggested my color-coding the format of presentation of the body paragraphs. This addition has been quite useful in helping my trainees understand the format I wanted and to insure they understand the reason for this format.
So, I spent most of this day covering this chapter and the format.
Also, I touched upon the importance of documentation. I focused on one particular argumentation assignment, noting how the writer documented and why. I have emphasized as the chapter does the four main reasons for inserting a parenthetical citation:
1) quoting verbatim from a source
2) paraphrasing from a source
3) using a date that is not commonly known
4) using statistics
During this training session, without even having to encourage questions, there were several. Great! They were definitely engaged.
Time for Questions
Now, I should share that I do my best to anticipate inquiries. So, I look at more than if a trainee raises his/her hand. I am a person who reads body language: a "squinching" of the nose or eyes (showing a tad confusion) or some quizzical cue as well if a trainee places his/her head down. Sometimes, that is a cue of "I wanna ask but am hesitant to do so; thus, I shall just keep my head down so Captain can't see my facial expressions because I know she can read 'em." And so, I walk around the room constantly looking for anyone who may show any lack of clarity or a desire for a tad more explanation.
Yes, even during this short amount of time, I come to "read" many of my trainees' expressions. I recognize that some are not comfortable asking questions among their peers. So, I encourage them to email me or make inquiries after class.
Also, I covered the use of ellipsis marks and "sic." I emphasized the necessity for always being a writer of integrity, not using ellipsis marks to quote a person out of context to justify an interpretation or change the actual intent of the source. I have found the following example a very effective one:
Scenario—A person is running for an office. He goes to a town hall meeting in a small enclave which some may characterize as very conservative. Each family has an average of eight children. There are not many who have attended this meeting. This is a new candidate running against an incumbent of many years. There is only one newspaper for this community; the editor is really a strong supporter of the incumbent.
So, the editor asks, "New Candidate" the question: "What do you think of abortion?"
The "New Candidate" answers: "Under the most serious of circumstances, abortions are necessary.
The next day, the newspaper prints: Last night at the town hall meeting, "New Candidate'" answered, "...Abortions are necessary."
Now, the term being "quoted out of context" becomes quite clear to my trainees. Also, they understand how this is a very unethical way to try to win or support the incumbent. Still, this demonstrates the need for critical thinking. Gee, think! Does it make sense that "New Candidate," knowing his audience, would be this blunt? Those reading this article, even if they are "pro-life" or "pro-choice"" should ask: "What was left out of this direct quote?"
My trainees understood why I emphasized the importance of one's using sources that are not manipulated for his/ her personal benefit. Integrity is paramount. If one cannot "fight fairly" for his/her point of view, especially to Congress, who will probably have staff members see what is missing in a direct quote, then, he has insulted his/her audience and shown s/he is untrustworthy. In essence, s/he is not showing scholarship; s/he is showing "scandalship."
At the final minutes of the session, I gave an impromptu quiz on what I covered. Most did well. Also, such a quiz lets them know they need to remain alert because they will never know when I pose one of these quizzes.
Yes, this was a full day! Whew!
Week Four—Day Two
I continued discussion regarding the argumentation assignment. I asked if there were any questions regarding what was taught on Day One. Also, I did return their equizzes—graded.
Then, we looked at Appendix A of Bare Essentials. There are two samples of the argumentation assignment and how I want it. They are to submit the introductory paragraph, the first body paragraph, the concluding paragraph, and a works cited page that should contain only works cited entries for those sources mentioned in the submitted paragraphs.
I have suggested that they may find it beneficial to write the whole five-paragraph theme and keep it for future references. However, I shall want only those paragraphs I have noted. Again each sample in Appendix A is color-coded to show how the pattern for development for the body paragraph should be developed:
Topic Sentence
First Example of Support of the Topic Sentence
Example from the Opposing Viewpoint
Second Example of Support of the Topic Sentence & Refutation of the Opponent
Third Example of Support of the Topic Sentence
Also, I gave a physical demonstration, which did emit a chuckle or two. I started bouncing around as if I were a boxer and I began by saying:
Get in the ring—Topic Sentence
First Example of Support—Throw the first punch
The Opponent Counters with a punch
Second Example of Support—Return a punch and have the opponent wobble
Third Example of SUpport—Give the knockout punch (no dilly-dallying—smile)
Concluding Sentence—Step back and go to your corner, waiting for the next round—Wheew!
Yes, I recognize this might seem unconventional. However, I never said I was a conventional captain. I shall do anything I can to explain a lesson as long as it is not offensive or immoral. Also, I believe that a little theatrics cannot hurt.
Finally, I asked the trainees to turn to Chapter 10 of Bare Essentials that has a thorough discussion and examples of the proper way to set up works cited entries and parenthetical citations for different types of sources. The cruise line for which I work only wants me to teach the trainees the MLA format, 8th edition. So, that is my main focus. However, the handbook does have in the back of this chapter the 6th edition of the APA for those who may need to implement this format for captains of different subject matters, hard sciences, social sciences, and nursing.
OK, that was it for Day Two, Week Four for my onboard trainees.
ONLINE—WEEK FOUR
There was the same focus for my online trainees—preparation for the writing of the argumentation midterm exam assignment. So, I covered the same material. And I had set up a podcast that covered what I had presented for my onboard trainees.
Yes, I know that I could just do a post on Blackboard, which is the platform for this cruise line's online sessions. However, past online trainees have told me that these podcasts really helped. They liked hearing a human's voice. So, I post and set up podcasts to reiterate what is needed for effective work.
I actually try to explain things via the podcasts, noting chapters to consult and extra commentaries. No, they do not see me bouncing around. However, I do try to refer to a boxer's movements while explaining the set up for this assignment.
Of course, I encourage my online trainees not to hesitate to contact me to ask me for clarification they may need. Finally, to make certain everyone is on schedule regarding the posts to his/her group’s short story, I have posted a kind of review:
Dear Neighbors:
I am just doing a review of what you have currently done:
* you made a post for the week of January 27 to February 2
* the next post should be done for the week of February 10 to February 16
Now, if you have already made your second post sometime during this week, February 3 to February 9, I shall accept that as the needed post for the upcoming week of Feb. 10-16.
So, by the end of the week of Feb. 10-16, you should have made two posts. The third group post will not be due until the week of February 24 to March 2. Be sure always to indicate the Image you are using to continue the story.
I am really enjoying your posts. I hope you are, too. It is a nice way for me to experience your creativity as well as help you improve your grammatical and mechanics presentations.
Oh, let me reiterate, I shall not continue to expect you to critique another group member's work. For future posts, I shall just expect you to make your one post to keep your group's short story going. Oh, the comments that I make on your grammar or mechanics errors, I do hope are helping. And if you have any questions or need more clarification, please ask me. I am here to help you truly understand this stuff :)!
When working with online trainees, it is very important to reiterate items so no one gets behind because of my lack of communication. It is best “to reach out and touch” so to compensate for this different venue for instructing.
OK, I shall report next week’s upcoming adventures.
Captain's Log—Out 😌!
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