Good Luck!!!! I will miss you all:)

The peer review helped me get a better perspective of my audience. Having someone other than myself, review a final product helped me correct any mistakes. I was not worried anymore about grammar but getting my message through-*goodbye grammatical fear*. I want to thank my classmates for their support this semester. Also, Professor Dr. Hawkins for pushing me to my limits of becoming a better writer. I wish you all the very best and luck in your finals!!!!!

Music ... Studying

I first off would like to say.. music is my favorite thing. I tend to hear it eveywhere I go, sometimes I wish when exams were given they would allow us to hear music or at least the melody. Regardless , I have a very diverse taste of music, country music is my heart and soul, as well all oldie music, but I do like hearing modern music as well. My top five favorite songs right now are :

Florida Georgia Line : God , Your Mama, And Me ft The backstreet boys .. YES, I know the backstreet boys !!!

The ChainSmokers and ColdPlay : Something Just like This 

Neon Noah : Dreaming with the Lights on 

Luke Combs : Hurricane

Wilderado : Wheat

Gold Stars to everyone

In conclusion I really enjoyed this class. It was a really difficult challenge, but I am left with many great articles that I will hopefully return to the future when I have a problem with my writing. This class was a very different class than what I was used to. This class was more based on our opinions and we lead the conversation, when other classes it’s more of the teacher having control over us. This class was more of a discussion panel. I loved how all our classmates were friendly and we would all give our points of views when we would get together. Also the spaceships sounds will stick with me forever and I will use it in the future when I become a teacher and I will also give my students lots and lots of gold starts. Overall this was a fun class, a challenging fun class. Best luck to everyone.

Hope to see you in the hallways and I will wave and not remember your name. Famous words from our professor, Dr. Hawkins

StuDYING for Finals

I think music and studying can mix well, but it can also cause a lot of distractions. I, for one, prefer studying with music, but choose soft tunes and crank it up until I can only hear my thoughts.

Here are some of my study sesh playlist songs:

1. Down- Jason Walker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvWCvYPsiuM

2. Have You Ever Seen the Rain- Creedence Clearwater Revival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou7P0QX25IY

3. Black Honey- Thrice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9GTEsNf_GU

4. Phantom Bride- Deftones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSycaeY7qi4

5. The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot- Brand New

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0naRFSK2hQ

Music is my getaway from everything in life. I just let the music flow. I love, love, love country music! I mean I like all kinds of music, but country is my favorite. Although my heart belongs to country right now I’m not in big a country phase. I also need upbeat music to keep me going and sometimes to dance out my stress. Yes, go ahead and laugh but it feels good after! Plus I know the words to like every song, so I am always, always singing my lungs out. Right now my favorite songs that are getting me through finals are the following:

Bruno Mars, That’s What I Like. Always on repeat!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMivT7MJ41M

 I also really like The Weekend’s, I Feel It Coming.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFLhGq0060w

 Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean, and Migos Slide. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFQqAZBOwfQ

 A couple of country songs I’m into right now …

 Maren Moris, I Could Use a Love Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ-B9ntKOnw

 Thomas Rhett Ft Maren Moris, Craving You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooFnUCUI8Vg

Honestly… there are too many country songs that I LOVE and I cannot list them all because I would probably fill up your whole Tumblr feed. LOL.

Music for Thought

The following are just a handful of my favorite songs and artists.  1.) Let’s start with something relevant to my culture. I’ll start out by saying that I dislike most of the music here in the Valley. I don’t like Ramon Ayala (sounds like his nose is constipated), or Norteno (poor carbon copy of Cojunto). But I do like Tejano and the Mazz interpetation Devorame Otra Vez is golden. By far my favorite tejano song and group. 

2.) I really only like one song by Michael Bolton and that’s Said I Loved You but I Lied. Even so it deserves mention as this song is amazing. Bolton has a wonderful low tenor and I find that I might have fallen in love just a bit lol.

  3.) This really is a guilty pleasure. I have been obsessed with Love Live for a while and it has really started to open me up to J-Pop. Shocking Party is upbeat, sassy and catchy. Better than most Pop on the radio imo. 

4.) When it comes to rap (and oldschool rap at that) 3-Six Mafia is my favorite (though Rhyme Poetic Mafia and Devin the Dude are really close behind). Weak Azz Bitch and Testin My Gangsta are a couple of many songs I enjoy from this group. This is rap done right. 

5.) I love metal and 1349 (named after the Bubonic Plague hit Norway)  is my favorite Black Metal band. Some of the songs are downright satanic and disturbing but I can’t ignore the sheer ferocity and fervor of their music. This extends to the heart bursting blast beating from drumming god, Frost, their dissonant guitar chords and overall presentation. I Breathe Spears and Sculptor of Flesh are wonderful albeit disturbing songs. The best part about their music? They’re not misogynistic. Doesn’t matter if your man, woman or child. The plague does not discriminate lol!

Where to Start?

Shitty first drafts. We all have them. Anne Lamott writes that even the most prestigious,  respected, and famous writers have shitty first drafts. They are not writing angels that magically sit in front of a computer and spew out wonderfully written works of art. It just doesn't happen. She lets her reader know that she is one of the many victims of horrible first drafts and her experience in having to write food reviews. She would collect her notes and have everything ready for her to start writing but she didn't know how. She would occupy herself with other things, in a sense dragging her feet, before she began writing. The more I read the article the more I thought that she had set up a hidden camera in my room and documented my process of writing an essay. It was relatable. This reminded me of another article that we had to read for class which was "Revision Strategies of Student Writers and Experienced Adult Writers" by Nancy Sommers. In that article, Sommers mentions that student writers begin writing and revising at the same time. They do not feel comfortable or confident enough to just write whatever comes to mind without worrying about the grammar. To them, the student writers, it has to be perfect from the beginning. I think that the more you do something the more tricks you find to better yourself at that one thing. In the beginning, I'll admit, I would focus more on the grammar of my paper rather than the content. Now, that I have had more experience in writing, I found an easier way (for me) to begin writing. I have come to learn to do as Lamott has described in her article. I type my ideas down and make it sound as if I am describing the topic of my essay to a friend or family member (by family member I mean my mom). I type as if I am having a conversation with someone and use slang or, sometimes, use curse words to get my ideas across. After I let out everything that I want to say, I leave it alone for some time, about a day, and look at it again and begin to delete what is not useful and elaborate more on what I do find useful for my essay. This is how I have written my essays recently, especially my Teaching Philosophy Statement. I think that a person must learn to write shitty first drafts because it is a skill that experienced writers have learned. Stop worrying about sounding perfect from the very beginning and let the ideas just flow, man. Peace and Love!! What is your process of writing an essay? Will you incorporate this article in your classroom to teach the students how to start an essay? I know I will

Music and Studying

While music is great for many occasions, sadly I can not really use it when it comes to studying. especially not for reading, I know I ve tried it before. I did post some of the songs i like, those were the top songs that came to mind, there is an infinity list of songs that I can probably come up with as better choices, but for now that’s all I have. while I work on a project, or a writing piece the music is off. when I take a break the music definitely comes on so it helps me to relax and to free my mind of stress. Music is great, it really is! it helps people in so many ways that we might not even realize sometimes. in this time of studies to college students music is detrimental to many. May it be on while one is doing an assignment, before, or after. there is no doubt that music can help ease the process. I wish the best for all, and lets hold on to our songs.

                                    Medias in the Classroom

In the article “Impossibly distinct: On form/content and word/image in two pieces of computer-based interactive multimedia,” Anne Wysocki suggests media is always evolving. She uses the examples of CD’s to portray this. Visual elements provided by the CD’s was at that time modern and new. Something the article is lacking is timelessness. Although it is true that media is evolving, the example provided of the CD is outdated. It’s 2017, and we hardly ever use any CD’s anymore. I found this article a little bit difficult to resonate with because of the outdated example. Something we discussed in class is how social medias such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr can be seen as less important because of the format it’s in. This is often true, a lot of political issues are talked about on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram but so many people overlook the overall message from it just because of the platform it is presented on. It’s important to look at media and how it evolves and accept that it is a news outlet. Incorporating meidas into the classroom is a modern way of presenting formal information. Kind of like right now, how I’m posting on Tumblr talking about this article. It’s an assignment and should be taken seriously even if it is such an informal platform. I inserted the picture above because I think it accurately represents how media is in our life, on our phones, its everywhere and its going to continue to grow. I feel like that is the message Wysocki was trying to get it.

Lots of Feminism

I have mixed feelings about the Bell Hooks reading we had to read this week since I agree with feminism but, at the same time I disagree with some of the things she points out in her article. I understand that equality is important and everything I just feel like she is somewhat sexist in the article. I mean not all men are terrible insensitive pigs that have zero respect for women and the authority they may hold. I kind of got that vibe from this article and I disagree completely that we should ostracize men that way.

I read chapter 10 first for the wiki article we had to turn in and I thought the conversation she had with her fellow colleague was interesting at first. They discussed the differences in teaching methods and even how college students react to different methods of teaching. They compared themselves to “dictators” in realizing that the students may feel intimidated by the power the professor holds in the classroom. I can personally agree with that since it is true that the professor may come off as intimidating since they are the main authority in the class and what they say goes. However, after that part in the conversation it strays off completely into feminism which left me more than a little confused.

Hooks starts discussing how she herself as a feminist sees the struggle with gaining common ground as a woman, a writer, and a professor in her age. I realize these are all good issues to discuss and it must have been hard for her but, I don’t see the connection with what this has to do with teaching. I thought she would at least try to connect back to what she first said at the beginning of the conversation or at least mention something else connected to teaching in the classroom but, nope she just kept talking about feminism. Don’t get me wrong though it was all very interesting but the remarks she made just made me feel like she was bias about the whole thing.

It’s been loading for three days. Never trust Blackboard.

Literate Misfitting: Disability Theory and a Sociomaterial Approach to Literacy by Elisabeth L. Miller offers an insight on disabilities issues and the grounds that society has organized them. Society removes some barriers, but also restrict choices for the disabled. Both try to favor certain disabilities but not all cater to the classroom needs for literate practices. The social conception of “normal literacy” values can differ in some education classrooms. For example, a school may not have sufficient funds to cater to all disabled student needs. In that sense, a student may be send to another school miles away from their home. Also, a disabled student  may need a home bound restricted environment where a teacher needs to teach from their home. The article states that a person uses their body as a technology tool for advancement. It can be as simple as moving a finger through a text or as difficult as reading text over and over again. I believe an issue that still stands today from a pedagogy stand point is that teachers may not know how to cater to a disabled student needs. A disabled student by law has the right to attend a general education classroom. Therefore, a general education teacher may not be prepared for that situation. Consequently, the student might fall behind or not pass to next grade level. I believe, the article informs readers of an exciting issue that has existed and continues to exist. I found extremely interesting how the world invents things that caters to mass population but not for disabled population. Therefore, not considering if a disabled person would take advantage of such invention. Although, one can argue that some inventions cater only the disabled. The concept remains, because most things in fact favor a large population versus the disabled population which then transfers into the classroom.

Writing, Shitty Drafts, I will not use writing as a punishment

Response to: “I Won’t Use Writing as Punishment. I Won’t…” by Roy Peter Clark,Shitty “First Drafts Anne Lamott from Bird by Bird, “ and “Rhetorical Criticism of Online Discourse” by Brandon Jones. When reading “I Won’t Use Writing as Punishment. I Won’t…” by Roy Peter Clark, I realized throughout my education I have witnessed writing being used as punishment by teachers just like in the text. Luckily, as far as i can remember,  I have never been punished by having to write. A negative attitude was never an issue when it came to english, but it was with math. So I could relate to the concepts  “it was too old-fashioned or obsolete to reprint” (4). Clark exposed this is super old and the ideas are old but, we are still here and we are going to talk about, so I guess here we are  it's worth thinking about.. Own level of anxiety and confidence.  Anne Lamott from Bird by Bird states “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere. Start by getting something -- anything -- down on paper. A friend of mine says that the first draft is the downdraft -- you just get it down.” Lot of practice ahead of us   and application at the same time confidence, at this point it has a relationship Self reflection : thinking about assessment and final assignment. Anne Lamott from Bird by Bird is very quotable. She expresses writing and how hard it is : tons of stuff about writing and culture and the vulnerability of self reflection. She expresses that writing is hard as well as finding self disclosure not saying the samething over and over again is not right most commonly assigned narratives a thing people do. Rhetorical Criticism of Online Discourse  By Brandon Jones states you always get back what you sow. Thing that happens when you teach, One way to write a position paper Composition form as a model See something kind of in the middle where we are at Author puts forward a reasonable argument draws sources and here's the thing about internet rhetoric. Contradiction in the begining … fine but hard to read Reason for no evidence and for contradiction Rhetoric and the internet : students have not followed or looked into internet See how further drafting can improve this piece have distance and topic and its self Don't know how to say the thing you are thinking about because it's hard to say Redundant : student writing.

In this article we see what medias were being used in the classroom, which is mostly referred to CDs. Now i believe that as educators we need to make sure we keep up with all of technology that we are being introduced to. For example, now in days, there is many classes who are being given through ITV. These classes are basically the same, but the professor is in another classroom and they are teaching two groups of students, one face to face and the other through teleprompter. These were never before done till this day. Also students now are so involved in social media, for example, for this class we are using Tumblr that is a social media service. It’s not crazy like snap chat or like Facebook, but surely was not used for education purposes. But in this class we were introduced to it and we are using it as a place to write what we feel and communicate with our classmates, which I believe is good. This is an example of what I mean. Teachers need to see what the technology is being used so the students can use it for educational purposes. There is also a game called Kahoot, where the students use their cellphones and they all can participate by answering the answers of the questions that are being given through the projector. This can be a learning alternative and make it more interesting in the classroom. Even though social media and technology may be overwhelming it is something that we have to look at and see where we can come out with ideas to use these in our favor.

After reading the articles from this week, future educators continue to further grasp the concept of a multicultural classroom. We have been seeing race, sexism, but now we are introduced to ideologies and pasts. 

For example, Hart and Thompson introduced us to a concept we sometimes see in our classrooms, but fail to notice our behavior since we are so accustomed to it, and might not actually see a fault in. Especially in college classrooms, we notice veterans sitting in the chairs next to us or in front of us. They must complete the same work we do, and show up to class in the same manner we do, and listen, read, and see the same things we do. However, there are things that are not the same within us- a past, an emotional past. 

As future educators, we must be open to understanding the past these individuals have had, and how they may be affected. We must continue to allow them their best chance to learn. Furthermore, these opportunities must be presented to all students who face a disability. As we have learned, just because a doctor declares it to be an impediment to do many things, it does not mean the student cannot learn or achieve their goals. It is up to us, as teachers, to be provide equitable learning methods and help each student grow and succeed.

Writing, writing, and more writing

This week, our readings were actually very interesting because they’re relatable. Writing is something we all will do for the rest of our lives whether we like it or not. I found it so funny how most of us could recall our elementary days were teachers would make us write, “I will not talk when the teacher is talking” or something along those lines. But Roy Clark’s article, “I Won’t Use Writing as Punishment… I Won’t” is to remind us teachers that students start looking at writing in a negative way if it’s used as a punishment. As it is stated in Clark’s article, “the joy of writing is not dead in today’s children unless it is killed in the bud by adults.” I can say I agree with this because there is no one else to blame but the adults who bring writing out as a negative thing to children. Teachers who encourage their students to let their thoughts flow into writing are the ones who should be applauded for not ruining writing.

With the same topic on writing, the second article by Anne Lamott, “Shitty First Drafts” is something everyone in the world has gone through. No one has mastered their first draft, and that’s what makes it so important in students’ writing process. She states, “almost all writing begins with terrible first efforts” and if this were not true, then you would probably be a super hero genius. But on a serious note, I feel this is what gives students their story meaning and creativity. Within the first draft, students don’t know what they are trying to say exactly but have an idea. As they revise and develop their drafts more, they start finding their footing and create a good piece of writing. As a future teacher, I will highly encourage first drafts, and want to see them in my classroom a lot more so I can have my students observe their progress they have made along the way.

I believe with writing being so important in school, teachers should be more aware as to how they promote it to students. We want to encourage them, not scare them and make them hate writing. We need to introduce it as a safe space for them to feel comfortable and at ease when they are writing. Most teachers don’t know what damage they are doing by turning writing into a punishment and looking down at first drafts.