Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable
Write your response as a comment before coming to class. Bring a word processed (and double spaced) copy to class that day.
Write a minimum of 100 words (and no more than 150) per topic. Provide a heading to each one in order to separate your text. One paragraph per topic seems to work best. Using a variety of sentences and punctuation will increase your score.
Remember that your words will be read by next term’s class, so try to provide useful and accurate information for them to better understand our studies this term.
23 comments:
Something new
Brad's way of teaching was something new to me. The way we worked in class was totally unthinkable especially for an English class. Having to read and to share our ideas in group along with many texts and studies was innovative and fruitful. Unlike the regular and mostly "boring" English classes we had been able to go deeper into subject. It is something we would have never been able to do, otherwise; in a common class where everyone has to focus on his work only. Through that method Brad opened us to each other and created an easier connection and better atmosphere between the students. Furthermore brad’s way was very helpful as it allowed the weakest of us in the groups to progress and understand better the subject without feeling left behind.
-125 words
Something different
Brad's way of teaching was also very different. Unlike the other teachers I knew he did not use books reading or essays but everyday life's experiences, media and short stories and writing. Somehow he was more social by linking our work to our own experience and environment. This was different. The poems, texts, pictures and anecdotes we had where all turned toward our experiences and the world we live in now. .In a sense, his teaching was very human in its process and that was surprising. In fact, I can already see the future students -as I was, at the beginning - in a good or bad way, being already disconcerted by brad's way of teaching. Not only by the cause of the materials he used but also by the sometimes overwhelming tone and personal implication, it requires. Its different way of doing things-through his material- involved much of our feelings and opinions.
-150 words
Something memorable
Away from Brad's way of teaching discovering Temple Grandin was a memorable experience to me. From the exceptional movie about her to the Ted's presentation she made, I discovered an amazing character. The one we always read about in book or see in movies. She captivated me entirely through her personality and intelligence. Her life's experience is in itself a driving motor for the realization and accomplishment of human beings; she is a living inspiration. The obstacle she has to overcome as an autistic and a woman would have turned down many if not the most but with the help she received, her courage, determination and talent she overcame adversity and fear. She opened the doors. I will always remember one sentence she said:-Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be.
-125 words
~Something new:
Is there anything I learned something new this term? Ah, yes! I remember it now; I learned how to be a confident person in front of people because whenever I stand to have a public speaking, my knees starts to shake, my hands starts to sweat. Now, I can say I now overcome my one of my biggest fears. I don’t know about the future but right now, I now have confidence about public speaking. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for overcoming my biggest fear, Brad!
-89 words.
~Something peculiar:
I have to admit: this term is definitely different from last term, for sure, because for one thing, Brad gave us presentations instead of in class writing. Especially, when he taught us how to look at things differently and we had to do a presentation on various topics. This presentation was a new experience for me to have because for one thing, we never had to make presentations on the first of the term and everything I did, Brad gave me a higher mark ever. Well, except for the last term, that is!
-93 words.
~Something reminiscent:
I’ve never thought about writing about English 12 to you, I don’t know why but every time it’s getting harder and harder because I have so much to say to you –future students, hopefully not including me, seriously! – about English 12 and how much fun it is to be taught by Brad. Now, I know how Brad can be hard to understand sometimes because he teaching methods are different from others but if you get to know Brad, you’ll regret why you didn’t get a chance to meet him sooner. If you get a chance to know Brad, then your so-called “prejudice” about Brad will be gone (I don’t mean to butter Brad up; I’m just telling you the truth!)!
-120 words.
Something New.
I have had Brad as an English 12 teacher for the second time. When I walked into the class on the first day, I was shocked – forty one people were too much for English 12. I was very curious how Brad would manage with it. No problem! He slightly changed the program so we have had less in class writing. Frankly speaking, I could not say that this fact upset me. However, key points of his teaching style, the blog and group work, remained unchanged. Publishing comments in the blog and discussing in groups have been Brad’s priorities this term.
– 100 words
Something Different.
What was Brad’s purpose in discussing the movement, Occupy Wall Street? Why did Brad try to propagate its ideas from the students? A teacher had to be neutral. The students read and watched only OWS’ point of view. We didn’t have any other ideas, for example, the Tea Party platform. So I became an OWS opponent, not because I disliked OWS but because somebody needed to have an opposite opinion in the class. However, working in a group, we debated and analyzed all students’ thoughts; as a result, we usually understood each other and found a compromise in our argument.
– 100 words
Something Memorable.
I still remember when Steven, Nancy, Rosemary, and I worked together in a group. People from different countries found a common language without any problem. I haven’t met a long time such creative and educated people knowing a lot about everything and generating so many ideas. Also, I remember my challenge, writing a travel anecdote. I was proud of my first draft but my classmates pointed some mistakes, gaps, and problems that after our group discussion I rewrote my story entirely. The list of memorized events includes the movies “Nineteen Eighty-Four”, the poem “Here I Am”, and writing poetry. I think I will attend Brad’s class next term.
– 108 words
Something New
In our English 12 class, we watched the disturbing and chilling movie “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell, I thought it was something surprisingly new. A movie of this negative atmosphere is still banned in the Philippines. That may be the reason why it was my first time watching it and inside a classroom. On the other side of the world in Saudi Arabia where I worked, the movies on television were strictly monitored. The newspapers and magazines were closely guarded that it did not contain images of women with revealing bodies, anti Islamic pictures or anything that criticize the government. Watching the movie “Nineteen Eighty-Four” was quite a surprise because it’s even part of the English 12 curriculum. To my understanding, it only shows how open North America is on political issues. Canada may not be a perfect place but democracy is alive here.
(144 words)
Something Different
Discussion in a multicultural group is something different because I get to hear how we react on issues. North Americans are more open and expressive on political issues like the “Occupy wall street incident” in November 2011. Europeans also express concern on the issue. I notice though that Asians like me are sometimes politically numb or passive on politics. We tend to see it as just a minor incident in a day. Back in the Philippines in the 1970’s, people were banned to speak on anything political from classroom to public areas. On the other hand, in North America people are free to discuss anything without fear of government reprisal. Students can express their views and can even protest. Canada is a mixture of different cultures from toughly led places like Afghanistan, Persia, Philippines, China and Serbia. Personally speaking, it is a unique experience listening from opinions of various cultural backgrounds.
(151 words)
Something Memorable
When I composed “A Note to Myself” I thought it was something reminiscing. Each time that I recall those memorable years of my childhood, it excites emotionally. Whenever I look back on those wonderful years, I usually do it orally like a story in front of my family or friends. However, collecting memories and translating them into words to become a poem was tougher than I expected. I struggled along the way because the words had to be compact and really descriptive. I tried to pick my words in a way to create the closest swimming competition image possible like “only to rise again and charge head-on”. A poem is like compressing a long story using few words that says it all. It was quite difficult but it paid off because I just discovered that within a short poem I can bring back precious memories.
(144 words)
Something New
Writing a poem in English was a new experience to me. I have never thought that I can do it because poetry is a mysterious and complicated style that I don’t dare to touch it; however, I finally accomplished my work in a surprisingly enjoyable way. Not only the topic that we were given interested me, but also the way that the message is carried amazed me. I still can’t figure out thoroughly how such a short piece could share so many contents and emotions, but it really does. Although my first poem seemed quite naïve, it truly touched me. I can’t believe that reading my own poem in the class actually made me cry. (That was very embarrassing.) Thank Brad for giving me such a unique experience; I am pretty sure that I will try another one some day.
-------140 words
Something Different
Talking about the controversial political issue happening around us in the class is quite different from the regular classes. Most teachers may try to avoid some sensitive topics discussed by the students, especially politics, but that’s not Brad’s type. He likes to share his opinions with us about the problems that our society is facing now, which makes me, an ignoramus in politics, start to realize that how intimate our life and politics are! When I read the “We are the 99 percent,” I suddenly found out that I am one of the 99 percent, and what all the protesters are doing now is actually fighting for my future as well. Although this kind of different thing cannot please everyone, it is still valuable to me.
------126 words
Something Memorable
The group work on the story “A Man Like Him” was a memorable experience. I’m not an argumentative person; most of time I’m willing to be an audience to other people during discussions. However, when we shared our opinions on “A Man Like Him,” I actually debated with all other members. I was surprised that no one liked the story, except me, because they couldn’t understand Teacher Fei at all. Since I am familiar with Chinese history and I’ve heard a lot of tragedies similar to Teacher Fei’s father, I love this story. Trying to convince other members, I presented much background information. Although Brad always says, “The world needs all kinds of minds,” I still had sense of success after some members changed their minds. During that debate, the most valuable thing was that I gained confidence which I lost long time ago. For this particular reason, I will always remember this experience.
-----154 words
Something New
Even though I had taken English 11 with Brad and was familiar with his way of teaching, there were still many things like, “Blog Homework,” writing poems, and media lessons that were new to me. Being aware of other students reading our homework was really stressful yet interesting for me. Actually, “Media lessons” was my favorite part of the class. We discussed many new topics; it related to a variety of cultures and different lifestyles that each of us have in our home country. Writing poems was another new experience in Brad’s class. Ones I was done, I knew how difficult it was as it took a lot of energy out of me and made me think hard. I must say that this new system of education allows students to become creative and independent thinkers. There is no doubt that this class has been very useful and enjoyable for me. (150 words)
Something Memorable
I found Brad’s way of teaching English 11 and 12 a memorable experience. He always challenges the students along by asking them to reaction to his subjects, and assigns group works to them. The interesting thing about Brad is that he likes to take a risk choosing his topics; it can be about a film or a novel. Moreover, he is always a winner because most of the time the topics make his classes more entertaining for students. In our class, everyone was participated in discussions even when they were not interested. Over all, I will never forget this enjoyable experience, the funny stories, and even Brad’s tough marking method. (110 words)
Something Different
Brad’s comments are very interesting and helpful for me. He always posts a sample for each blog of homework that he assigns to us. This makes the work easier to understand. Sometimes it is hard to know what your teacher expects of you to write; any guidelines like this could be of great help. Writing about different subjects is not an easy task; you may not even have a single idea what to write about. However, by reading Brad’s comments, you will find the right way easier. In my opinion, his comments are like holding a candle in a dark room. Also, in Brad’s class you won’t be a listener forever. You can express your ideas and disagree, if necessary, about the subject matter that being discussed. (127 words)
Something New
In this term we had lots of new things, but one thing that was really interesting and enjoyable for me in this term was the poems. To be honest I didn’t like composing any poems or even reading one because I wasn’t good at it, but since Brad gave me the opportunity to write one, I started to like it. Of course those examples and models of poems were helpful as well as interesting. Actually I never thought that one day I would enjoy myself by composing poems or even get a good mark at it , so thank you Brad for giving me a chance to know myself better and know that I can do those things that I thought I can’t . Words - 130
Something Different
The most different and unusual things in this course were the movie and the clips we were
watching in the class and in YouTube. The movie “Nineteen Eighty Four” was very helpful as well as upsetting for me. I was really influenced by the movie in both good and bad ways. The movie indicated the facts about war and politics and how society is controlled by politics for profit and leadership. I admit that this type of movie is kind of heavy and shocking for most of people because politics is not an interesting topic for this generation. I wasn’t aware of this kind stuffs happing in some countries and even around us. It was hard to digest the movie, but it was worth of watching because it gave me lots useful information and made me critical about things around me. Certainly most of students get the point of the movie showed by Brad. Well done Brad. Words - 159
Something Memorable
The presentation was something I will never forget. Presenting in front of lots people always was scary for me as well as for most of students. I was very nervous at beginning of the class, but as the time past I gained more self-confidence by doing a couple of presentation. When I was presenting my work for my audience, I was thinking to myself they going to laugh at me if I make some mistakes, but that never happened because they were such mature and well behaving classmate. They respected and honored me as classmate and as friends. If you guys weren’t my classmate or if Brad wasn’t my teacher, I am sure I wasn’t the same. Thanks to my dear teacher and my helpful classmate for being patient to me. This class was so remarkable and memorable for me and I have learned lots of good things from each of you. Have a good new year. Words - 150
Something New
In order to understand others behaviors and reach people’s thoughts, communication was one crucial thing that Brad used in his class. The group work was an ideal chance for me to get know and understand people better. Through discussing with other students I experienced a range of expressions and ideas; it helped me to open my sight wider and understand things more clearly. Thanks to the group work, I learned not only to communicate in English but also to hear and accept others comments (comments that I don’t agree with but respect and find reasonable).
108 words
Something Different
My biggest challenge in Brad’s class was watching movies, video clips, and writing comments about them (it is a hard task especially when you need to quote). While watching movies and video clips, I learned new vocabularies and got knowledge from different areas – I also became aware of the world in which I live and became an active looker. I have learned not to believe in everything I hear and have my strong opinion about things around me. I am glad that I was the witness of a useful method that my teacher presented us successfully.
107 words
Something Memorable
The movie, “Nineteen – Eighty Four”, had an immense effect on me. I could not believe what I saw in the movie (it was filmed a long ago) actually was noticeable in this modern world. Suddenly, I became aware how we are small figures in a society where government may do with us when they want. It makes me sad to think that we cannot change a lot of around us; it is also miserable that officials use our inner feelings unmercifully to win their fight. Perhaps, we cannot change everything, but we cannot also close our eyes in front of it. An outstanding film!
100 words
Something New
There are many new things for me in the English Twelve with Brad like new friends, new information to learn, and new perspective of life. I hear my classmates mention “the blog” as a something new for us. This could be right, but it is not the only thing that could be considerate as a new innovation in the English Twelve Course. “The blog” is an interesting instrument to make bridges among students’ minds. “The blog” created a web communication that everyone could participate and give his or her opinion in any conversation and argue on the treated topic in the class. The class was not a traditional course that students should only listen to a teacher who led the class. I think, the new thing in this course (the English Twelve) is “networking,” and I hope this educational method could be a potential sample for a public education system not only in Canada but also in the wide world.
(160 words)
Something Different
The English Twelve is a cluster of different things like students from the different cultures, religions, and countries. Another different aspect of this course is the teacher (Brad) with his diverse innovative methods to teach English. For me the most different, enjoyable experience from the course was composing poetry. I had never written a poem neither in my mother tongue since the English Twelve. I remember, when I was a student in Iran, my native country, teacher of Persian language asked us to “memorize and read in a loud voice the poem” of the ancient famous Persian poets like Sadi, Omar Khaiam, and Ferdousy in the class. That was a hateful experience for me because I should use my talent and energy to memorize the poems of someone else. Differently, in this course, the poem of a poet helped me out to write down my poem using my talent, mind, and Words.(152 words)
Something Memorable
The memorable “anecdote” of the English Twelve was working in the group and making a list from different point of views of the students, and arguing about those. During this semester two classes were very interesting and unforgettable. The first one was “ A Framing for Occupy Wall Street” by George Lakoff, and the other one was “What’s going on?; Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell. Both classes had a political concept that was helpful to figure out the students’ opinions about the social and political issue. Obviously, the conversation contained different opinions and reaction, but whole were instructive and peacefully. I remember, that I participated in those turns of conversation very actively, and I hope that my intervention would be helpful and harmless for the people who did not have the same opinion and idea. (136 words)
Something New
Time has changed and so have many lifestyles changed. Of course, education can not be excluded from these new trends. In our English 12 course we were lucky to be taught by a teacher who understands the importance of these changes and adjusted his work perfectly parallel to those trends. In Brad’s class, classic styles of English teaching are mostly substituted by modern methods. As an example, using a full version of a Hollywood movie or a documentary film as academic teaching materials are possibly new to some including myself. But for Brad, gladly those and many other modern similar methods are parts of his normal class curriculum; something that is making learning even more enjoyable in his class.
119 Words
Something Different
What was making learning even more enjoyable during our course was the fact that every class was a unique experience, something special for itself, and always something different from previous ones. Most assignments were presented in very innovative and entertaining methods. For example assignments were designed to not only challenge students in their understating of English language, but also give them a chance to understand a bit about their environment and even about themselves. Be it writing a list poem, or taking an image from their neighbourhood and commenting about that, or writing a travel anecdote that they possibly have experienced for real, are all examples of that. They are at the same time examples of differences that were making this class outstanding from any regular or otherwise ordinary language class.
131 Words.
Something Memorable
Writing a poem is something that I seldom thought about and never tried it before taking Brad’s class. I am interested in poetry and enjoy reading poems but I never felt that I could write my own poem. In a part of the class we were asked to write our own poems. Now doing that (writing my own poem) was such a challenge for me that I hardly could trust myself accomplish it. The good point is that at the end I happily realized that with a little hard work and some concentration I can achieve things that I otherwise would not even think about. The result was a good boost to my self-confidence and was a pleasant experience.
119 Words.
Something New
The amount of group work Brad assigned to the English 12 class was something new for me. No sooner would I form an opinion on a particular piece of work than we would be assigned to groups to share our experience. This at times became interesting as the opinions of one usually differed from others. This group work also enlightened me to others cultural background, as “A Man Like Him”, was set in revolutionary China (something I had little knowledge about until being informed by my fellow classmates). The multiple class presentations for me were also very new. Although nerve-racking at first, I quickly lost my inhibitions as I became inspired by my other classmates courage and honesty. These presentations, in hindsight, were like mini snapshots into our lives. Each presentation, unique and diverse like the individual cultures and personalities that made up English 12. (146 words)
Something Different
Something different for me in English 12 was the online work we did on Blogger. Initially I was skeptical at the thought of putting my work on the internet for all to see. Shortly after I became intrigued by what my classmates were presenting on the blog. As a due date would approach I would catch myself checking in to see if another assignment had been posted. I soon found myself secretly searching for particular authors for whom I had enjoyed previous writings. Another feature of this course I found unique was how the material was delivered. Assuming I would only study literature, I was pleasantly surprised with the study of some films. One film in particular, “Temple Grandin” moved me. I was amazed and touched by Temple’s drive to overcome adversity. Definitely a “must-see” for people who love to root for the under-dog. (146 words)
Something Memorable
Personally, the most memorable part of the course was our first assignment, “Here I Am”. Brad had asked us to write a poem about ourselves following a list of rules. As frustrated as I was to write a poem, I was more nervous of sharing this piece with my classmates (not once, but twice). My anxiety of the blog was being overshadowed by the reality that I also had to present to the front of the class. To make a long story short, I survived (as we all did) and I feel better for having participated in this exercise. Not only do I feel it made us drop our masks, but it broke the ice for future assignments. I feel I witnessed my classmates at their most vulnerable standing before the class and became inspired by their stories of courage, perseverance and faith. (143 words)
Temple Grandin’s unique outlook of the world was interesting. I had never known some people thought in pictures before I watched the film. They are as smart as, or even smarter in some areas than the majority. Examining my own thinking style, it is logical, but not rich and colorful. Could that be the reason why my paragraphs were often commented by teachers as “too brief” for their lacking specific details? There are many new things I experienced in this class so far. I would not believe that I could be able to write an English poem, but following Brad’s instruction I managed to write something! Using the blog as an active learning tool is new to me. It motivates me work harder, submit assignments on time and get opportunities to learn from my classmates writing. (138 words)
Something Different
Choosing special photos as a homework on the blog, and bringing a photo into class were very interesting and different for me. Through each picture I got lots of information about my classmates, different places and different ideas. Since then, I have been trying to view my pictures and trying to remember why I took those pictures and what is special in them. It was interesting to see all the different choices. Everybody shared a different opinion for each picture. Currently, these different things attract me to find out some extra information.(99 words)
Something Memorable
Learning from “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser I found that there are useful advices for academic tasks and most importantly for me are a few of the things he says: that there are “words that are in our bones”. William Zinsser suggested to all of us, “short is better than long”, and being creative, concise and clear . Therefore I am convinced of the saying “less is more” and of the author’s statement that simplicity and clarity are principles of a good writing. (100 words)
Something New
In our English 12 course students had to write a poem. This entire exercise was easier said than done, yet inspiring, and astonishingly powerful. I felt nervous standing up and facing my peers and reading my poem out loud. After reading my poem, I felt delight because it was the first poem I had ever written. Composing my poem took about eight hours, and a small number of breaks. Truly I thought it was challenging to dig deep into what I really wanted to say about my life. Creating a poem was motivating, especially because I practiced using straightforward precise words to communicate deep meanings. While I read my poem I felt a sense of pride because I was able to achieve more self-confidence. Our teacher Brad taught the class to recognize that it takes time and effort to develop good writing and poetry skills.
Words-142
Something Different
Brad said “no Shakespeare” in our English 12 course. I was relived knowing that at least I won’t have to hear “Romeo and Juliet” again. Brad focused on English readings from way back to the present. For example, the “Pepper Spraying of Students at UC Davies” video connected us with the realities of current events and displayed that violence is difficult to deny. Further, the movie Nineteen-Eighty-Four by George Orwell was yet again a vital image of politics and unnecessary human cruelty. Our teacher conducts his class through a diverse approach. For example, analyzing short stories, inscription paragraphs, and vocal presentations. There is great variety in this English 12 class; it is not only about writing, but it also integrates new techniques to help us develop novel means of English communication. Group discussions were valuable because they help us broaden our ideas and help us communicate through means that are outside the box.
Words- 150
Something Memorable
In our English 12 class, the “Taking a closer look: Sharing an image” project, was especially unforgettable for me. I accidentally presented a power point presentation instead of following instructions. I learned the hard way that instructions must be read and followed to the letter. The “Travel Anecdote” assignment was a treasure for me because I had a great thrill with it. I read students anecdotes and laughed when I read that a student unintentionally forgot their minor on the road. They were attention-grabbing and funny stories. A movie Brad presented to our English 12 class was memorable for me because it depicted a young autistic girl, Temple Grandin, living on a farm and not being able to experience human touch or human emotions. She was cocooned in a self-made hug machine insulating her from stresses of humanity. I learned a great deal about autism - a subject I knew very little about.
Words-150
Something New
Well honestly I have to say that this year my English 12 was absolutely different than my pervious English 12, class. I have learned so many new lessons. Something that I have accomplished new material was using “The Blog;” I have to admit at the begging I did not like the blog or understand the point of using blog to post. Overtimes I have accepted and appreciated the benefits of. It thought me how to write better and learned to try my best to become a better writer from seen my mistakes on the “Blog.” For example, grammar mistake and run on sentences. Although, it was my biggest fear to post my writing at the “Blog” thinking how people would judge me: I learned to overthrow my concerns of others. Over all, this is something new that I have achieved this semester thanks (Brad). Words 144
Something Different
Something different that I have experienced in Brad’s class was working with different people with extraordinary cultures and backgrounds. Even though, we all had individual thoughts and opinions we had one concept which, is to study. Also, I remember the first time I wrote “Here I Am,” it was completely different than what I have written as far as I can remember. Secondly, it was incredible to be thought differently with all the group works and discussions that we had in our class. I suppose this class was different and I do cherish what I have learned along with my classmate’s.
Words 101
Something Memorable
I had a great time learning even though, I had to face some challenges also I am grateful to every journey that we had together as a team. Especially, working with groups and reading many kind of articles. As well as, each class was memorable because I know that we all had different viewpoints or theories. But we all worked together and helped each other. Also, memorable information I have learned was about “Temple Grandin’s,” and I was inspired by her story. The reason is I have never really tried to study anything that has to do with autistic because I assumed it was not interesting. Yet I was wrong; considering their unique mind I was thrilled to know more about them to fill my curiosity. Those were a few things that were memorable tobe.
Words 136
Something New
I have learned to express myself accurately throughout our English 12 class. Posting our homework on the blog which meant displaying my mistakes to all other students was pretty terrifying at first, but eventually I became used to it and it made me make more of an effort to learn from the mistakes I made. Poetry wasn’t new but presenting and being able to look at my classmates in the eye with self-confidence was definitely something new that I’ve come to achieve. ‘Sharing an Image’ was one of the most exciting assignment because everyone in the class presented something different which made it more fun such as the sky train, traffic lights and etc. The whole point of the assignment which was to explain what message the object gives you in every sense was pretty challenging but I thought everyone succeeded in getting to their point.
(146 words)
Something Different
One of the most diverse and unique things I’ve experienced in this term was sharing my test work with my group and comparing answers when writing our Third unit test. I bet none other English teacher uses this technique because they would obviously consider that cheating. I also thought the movie ‘Temple Grandin’ was brilliant and it definitely inspired me in a lot of ways. Who knew that a person that thinks in pictures is much more capable than a normal human being? I’ve also learned that discussing a simple matter with classmates makes you look at it in a bunch of different ways which makes it so complex yet helpful.
(111 words)
Something Memorable
The “Travel Anecdote” assignment was a fun experience as most of the stories were really funny such as the ‘over-tanning’ situation that happened to Suzy. Some of my friends and I had a great time after class as we had more stories to share. I was always very hesitant when it comes to sharing my opinion with a group and I used to think that it never really made a difference, but this semester has officially proven me wrong because I’ve realized that working with a group and understanding everyone’s perspective has always been useful. The moment when my classmates supported me when I was interrupted rudely while presenting my piece in front of the class, will never be forgotten. Lastly, I will always cherish the classmates who I came to know over sushi and pizza.
(136 words)
Something New
In my English 12 class, with an enthusiastic teacher like Brad, lots of things had been new for me. For the first time, I had experienced writing homework on the class’s blog. Posting on the blog and being aware that all my classmates can read my work, made me a bit anxious; it wasn’t an easy task. I would always reread my work a few times before posting it; fortunately, in time, my comfort level with posting got better. Writing a travel anecdote was something new to me too; it was fun to do it, though. I had a good laugh after reading some of my classmates’ anecdotes. Poetry was another new thing that I was
introduced to. The tips for writing poetry evidently were very useful to all of us, because in the end, we all “sounded” like real poets.
141 words
Something Different
We are in Canada, a multicultural country, so my English 12 class was mixture of different cultures, experiences, and personalities. Each group discussion was enriched with inner “treasures” of each group member; despite of sometimes heated up discussions and disagreements (or better to say - different opinions) within a group, all group presentations ended with the unique, worth listening conclusions. Brad encouraged us to express our different opinions freely, because there was no a right/wrong answer, due to our uniqueness. With Brad, we had chance to experience learning from a different perspective; he combined the articles with watching video clips and movies (on the same subject), and that way, the learning content was more understandable. With the
modernized learning methods we become the informed up-to-date learners (aware of the new challenges in the modern society).
135 words
Something Memorable
The most memorable class time, that I will always remember, was the day when we were reading our poems in front of the class. Even though at first, some students said that they didn’t like or they didn’t know how to write a poem, in the end, each poem was exceptional and interesting to hear. In every poem I could find words that touched my soul. Some of the loving examples were Cornelia’s “to hold a lover, savor a perfume,” Esther’s “to squeeze hands, look into a heart,”” Noel’s “to tell opponents winner takes it
all, ” Lois’s “ to dance in the rain, chase falling leafs in the wind,” and I could go on and on. Each student shared beautiful poetry that day; creativity and uniqueness were characteristics of each poem. In conclusion, Szymborska is not the only one who can write a good poem.
146 words
Something New
The first time I read Wiliam Zinsser’s “Writing Good English” brought me the new confidence—the faith of more precisely express my opinions. Especially the “Repeat after me:” part; I found that’s very powerful. Following his guidelines to challenge the topics provided in the class and responding to the assigned group work were the best practices to help my writings got better. That’s the strength that has been growing inside me along the rest of the course. Instead of only concerning about my marks, I keep asking myself: “Do I make my point clear enough?” And by revising my writings continually my thinking is getting more logic as well. Even making mistakes nurtures my confidence that I will be able to master English eventually. This positive feeling that I’m having as never before is also my latest interpretation to the saying: “Knowledge is power.”—144 words
Something Different
Exercising the citizen’s rights of protesting is a very different experience to me. Since the OWS evoked an overwhelming movement globally, my class got the best chance to take a closer look of its whole cycle and some controversial incidents. From how the movement being framed by participants and by the media, to the officer who applied the pepper spray on the students sitting on their way in the UC Davis campus; all I’ve seen were people fighting for their rights. How does our society become so uneven? As citizens, what can we do to change it? Indeed, those systemic problems are too complicated to solve by individuals. Fortunately this question leads to the point of protesting: the more people know and work on those problems, the faster the solutions can be found. By realizing that I interpret protests from a different perspective now. —144 words
Something Memorable
Group work notes are all over in my binder. When I was flipping through them I recalled many interesting talks in the class. Every group that I anticipated were so into the discussions most of time, therefore, flashed the light in the classroom was the only way for Brad to draw everybody’s attention (it works every time). Thanks to my full house class so I was always able to discuss interesting topics with different classmates. Those voices with diverse point of views enriched the content of my handouts. Finally, in the class discussion time, Brad would categorize and organize the different opinions and sometimes explained a bit further. Besides everything I’ve learnt in the course, those noises with laughter are sure lodged in my mind for good, because I was having so much fun in my English 12 class. —139 words
Something New
For me everything was new in Brad’s English 12 class. I loved it!
The way he would teach us, made me feel confident about my writing. However, there is something new that I need to share with the future students and that is, posting homework on the Blog. Also, Brad is hard but fair in giving out marks. In my opinion, it was better for our own good. We all wanted to get good marks and that is how we would improve by trying harder each time. I had Communication 12 in High School and it was very easy for me. When I came to English 12 it was a whole new story where I needed time to recognize new things. (122)
Something Different
The movie "Nineteen eighty-four" was something different for me because I have never watched a movie that is about war in English class before. In my opinion it would be more suitable for Social Studies class not English. To be honest I didn’t like the movie. As I remember we used to watch movies like “Little Miss Sunshine," "Breakfast Club," and "The Shawshank Redemption" which I had something to write about. Another thing that I would like to mention is the presentation that we had to take a picture and talk about it in front of class was very different. I think Brad made us do this assignment to get to know each of us better orally and help us to increase our mark. (124)
Something Memorable
The most memorable thing for me was presenting in front of class. It was a great experience to know our classmates when they would present their unique poems with full of feelings. Also, I really liked working in groups because we would discuss and give different point of views about each topic. The thing I like about Brad the most is that he gives a good topic that we have something to talk about in other words “relates" to all of us. For me everything was memorable in this class and I am hoping that the future students will enjoy it as much as we did! (107)
Something New
Being an English 12 student with students who are younger and from totally different background is a new experience for me. Suzy, a beautiful girl sitting beside me, often made me laugh with her funny questions and answers. Her funny travel anecdote about the lesson to get sunburn in Serbia attracted me: how she became a red chilly pepper from a white ghost. Another young girl Ru, who was from Africa, also impressed me lots when we worked in the same group, since she tried to put every effort to discuss the issue with others. I did not have a chance to talk with another African girl Kathira, but her travel story posted on blog did delight me. I burst into laughter when I read the story about her brother stealing the “perfume” from the washroom. How vivid an image she built! --142 words
Something Different
The idea that teacher, Brad, is different from other English teachers, have stayed in mind since I read the previous student’s comments and have grown strong through my own experience. This semester we have explored the fictions, the movies and the media through individual activities, group works and class discussions. We also studied how to write good English and understood to learn writing by imitation. Most important, Brad wrote every model for every assignment which helps us to understand the questions and know how to write an answer. Inspired by his diligence, every student in English 12 has tried their best to complete their works and to show them on our internet home--the English 12 students’ blog. –118 words
Something Memorable
Our class, the English 12 students, thoroughly enjoyed our class time when we were given a stage to share our own experiences by way of three presentations. At the beginning there was "Here I Am;" in the middle, "Taking A Closer Look;" and at the end, "Writing A List Poem." These assignments brought us connection with each other, making us more than classmates. Although, I failed in my pronunciation, I still remember how well Brad liked my strong use of images and assonance in my first work, "Here I Am." In my second piece, "Taking A Close Look: Sharing An Image," I had good content and good image, but still failed in pronunciation. Then I tried free verse to write “A Note to Myself” because “rhyme can be dangerous” if I can not pronounce the poem well. I am hoping that I succeeded in pronunciation this time!
--147 words
Something New:
First day of my English 12 class was full of students; not being able to find a seat was like coming to a conference or going to a movie theatre with no seats available; how ironic I though. I’m sure Brad was amused and maybe overwhelmed at first. This class was slightly different from my previous English classes were you read a novel or write essays. One teaching method that Brad uses to help us students was by putting us into groups. I found the group work to be engaging and helped us share our thoughts, ideas, share our experience. Reading my classmates work on the blog made me appreciate their work but it also made it hard for me to just focus on my own work. The handouts taught me a few things like what writing good English really meant by William Zinsser. As I look back at the handout I remember the four principles of writing good English: Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity, and Humanity
(165 words)
Something different:
In English 12 I was able to meet and be influenced by a diverse group that came to challenge themselves and had the ability to learn—That to me was inspiring. Coming to class and seeing how much I could make use of the knowledge that I had and to be convince by another students opinions was in a way powerful and interesting. English 12 made me believe in my abilities, seeing how much I still had to learn and to improve on made me become a better writer. I wasn’t too stressed on how well I had to write; instead I was more focused on how I can be clearer when I write. All the different age groups ranging from 18-50 also made me realize that there is no age limit in learning and some of my fellow classmates have proven that.
(144 words)
Something Memorable:
As I look back to the very first day we presented “Here I Am” I remember thinking “first assignment and we have to do a poem?” but it wasn’t bad after all because once I did that I was prepared for pretty much anything! There were so many poems that I enjoyed listening to from my classmates. I wasn’t able to memorize them off course, but I wish to hear them once again. Most of the students had left a great impression of themselves and it was the quite students that amazed me; once they stood in front of the class I often would think, wow! “This student that never said a word has done a remarkable job”. One thing that will stick with me is what Zinsser said “How you write is how you define yourself to people who meet you only through your writing”. I felt that way when most of my fellow classmates read their poems “Here I Am” and “A note to myself”.
(167 words) Ru
Something Different
The way brad wants students to hand in homework is very different and new. After the class we could choose to do the homework on the same day He gets student to do there homework on the computer. Brad has us typing the homework on Microsoft word and when the homework is done instead of handing the work in person. The student could simply open the website that Brad has provided. Then look for the blog that brad posted and send the homework through there. Being able to hand in my homework online, gave me a chance to relax for a few minutes or hours. It also allows me to take my time on my homework instead of stressing over them. -121
Something Memorable
In Brad’s English class we get to watch movies and videos. One of the movies we saw was called 1987. It is about guy and girl in an isolated place, where they were taught wrongly, and was restricted to, too many things like having a relationship. There was a scene in the move, in which the guy was being tortured by a higher up man for being in a relationship with a girl. His limbs were tied up while. When the higher up man asked how many figures was he holding. When he was right the man was stretched for being right. What the higher up man wanted was for the guy to answer the question according to what he was told. If they said its five, then its five, even though its really four. I found this scene memorable because it made me fee very lucky to have freedom.
-150
Something New
What I found new is the way students had to hand in homework. The students were to hand in homework online. Doing it that kind of way made it convenient to me. What was also new to me was to be in a group to do group work. When I was in high school, I didn’t do much group work; it was a lot of individual work. The only time I do group work was when we had to do projects. Being in a group would help anyone because it allows the person know about what they are doing. For example when the students and were sent home to read an eight page short story for homework, and I did not understand much of the story. Until we return for the next class and was put in groups. The group would go page by page discussing the important parts and key things of the story.
-155
Maryan abdi
“Something new; something different; something memorable”
I came into class thinking it would be the equivalent to my previous English 12 class. Two minutes in...All my thoughts were changed tremendously. I didn’t understand why there were groups formed or what the blog was. Harjie acknowledged “.Posting on the blog and being aware that all your classmates can read your work ...was nerve racking for him” nerve racking indeed. If everyone could see your work that means everyone can see your strengths and weaknesses .That’s usually something I’m use to only teachers knowing .It caught me off guard but Betty referred to how blogging gave “an idea of what we needed to do to improve”. Instead of having only a teachers insight you get 20 plus people helping you out. That beats doing it yourself at home any day .One thing I’m really looking forward to is the same thing that had Lisa leung ecstatic ““No Shakespeare!”.
-158 words
Post a Comment