https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Ixx3Z2fxy7q4jsGYN3zgQ4BaT6bfz-WT17rtJi-nNU/edit?usp=sharing
Author: Emily Strassner
4:25-5:45pm
Project 2 Final
Writing Project 2- Topic Proposal
Topic: 1- Education Beyond the Major
Team: Emily Strassner
Working Thesis: Education beyond a student’s chosen major is critical to their personal development. Enrolling in courses unrelated to one’s major results in the bettering of a student as an individual and a problem solver.
Supporting Ideas & Quotes:
“The highest role of the educator is the maieutic role of Socrates: to help the student come to himself not as a consumer of experience but as a sovereign individual,” (Percy 6). Percy supports the idea that teachers are meant to not only teach students academic information, but also to teach them to become independent. Teachers are not meant to distribute information, they are rather meant to assist students in discovering the material for themselves.
“I propose that English poetry and biology should be taught as usual, but that at irregular intervals, poetry students should find dogfishes on their desks and biology students should find Shakespeare sonnets on their dissection boards,” (Percy 6). Percy agrees with the focus of students’ on their intended major, but believes that much can be learned from thinking outside of the box. By providing students’ with knowledge unrelated to their major, problem solving and critical thinking is enforced.
Response to Leah
Group: Leah, Maddie, Jake
In our group, we talked about traveling because of Percy’s ideas in “The Loss of the Creature”. We discussed Percy’s opinions about not believing post cards, and compared them to our experiences. For example, my family tends to vacation in the same places multiple times. My parents enjoy being able to visit a tropical destination without the hassle of figuring out the flaws of the vacation. This way, we know what to do and what not to do. However, as my group agreed, it can be beneficial to visit unfamiliar places. Even though many destinations may not be as perfect as they are pictured to be, every new adventure is unique in its own way. It is important to discover new settings because they help with personal growth and create valuable memories.
We also discussed vacations in today’s generation. When traveling, it is impossible to not see someone taking photos. We all agreed that it seems as though many people today vacation solely so they can take pictures and brag about it on social media. Most of us would quickly pose for a photo in front of a nice scenery, but there are people who dedicate TOO much time to taking photos of themselves with selfish intentions. When I went to the Brooklyn Bridge last month, for example, it was difficult to walk because so many people were stopped taking pictures. While it is okay to document vacations for memory purposes, it is excessive to let social media distract you from enjoying your experiences.
Writing Project 1 – Final
Writing Project 1 Draft
Writing Project 1 Proposal
Topic 1: The Space of Education at WCU
Team: Emily Strassner
Thesis: There are various aspects of space at West Chester University that have an impact on the education of students. The dorms are separate from the academic quad, creating a line between work and relaxation. Not only is the campus impacted by space, but the classrooms are as well. The relationship between students and professors is determined not only by the space of the classroom, but also by the space between their beliefs and personalities. The space of the layout of campus as well as the space in the classroom are two examples of the impact of space on students’ education at WCU.
Quote 1: “The truth is, however, that the oppressed are not “marginals,” are not people living “outside” society. They have always been “inside”—inside the structure which made them “beings for others.” The solution is not to “integrate” them into the structure of oppression, but to transform that structure so that they can become “beings for themselves.”” (Freire 2)
Quote 2: “The distinction, however, is essential: the objects which surround me are simply accessible to my consciousness, not located within it. I am aware of them, but they are not inside me.” (Freire 2)
Response to Bella Bedore
Group: Bella, Lauren, Gabe, Luke, Brandon, TJ, Jenna, Adam, Sam, Michael
In our group, we discussed how space can influence an individual’s learning experience. This theme is applicable to the layout of our campus at WCU, both physically and metaphorically. The academic quad and the resident halls are in separate areas of the campus, allowing students to have designated areas for work and for relaxation. The physical separation of these two areas on campus provides a separation of one’s mind between work and leisure. Because there are areas in the academic quad, such as the library, to complete assignments and study, it is not necessary for students to bring education back to their dorms. This also allows for the aspect of providing students with a space where they are separate from the stress of school and are able to be comfortable and relaxed. Another view of space we discussed is the space within the classrooms. There are a variety of classroom styles at WCU, from 200-student lecture halls to 20-student art studios and more. When classes are larger, it is harder to have a close connection with the professor because they have so many students at once. Smaller classes allow for bonding between the professor and the students, if done effectively. All of these factors depend on an individual’s preferences, but display that space is a present theme on WCU’s campus.
Response to Mia Citerone
Group: Mia, Mimi, Leann, Ethan, John, Brandon
In our discussion group, we talked about how Freire compares students to trash cans. From our earliest days of education until the moment we receive our high school diplomas, we, as students, are forced to learn an abundance of academic material that we may never remember. Because teachers solely focus on covering material efficiently and completing chapters and assessments, students have no choice but to know material before a certain deadline. This method of teaching results in students simply memorizing material, rather than actually understanding it. Not only do teachers treat students as trash cans, but often the material they are providing is trash as well. All students have requirements of what classes they need to pass in order to further their education. Because students do not have a voice in what material is necessary to learn, it is common for them to dislike what they are being taught. Forcing students to be interested in subjects in which they are not is an ineffective teaching strategy. If teachers were to provide students with information that they both understand and are interested in, students would no longer feel like trash cans.
