The Written Word: A Blessing Or A Curse?

Rosenwasser, David, and Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically. Massachusetts: Wadsworth, 2008. Print.
          In "Writing Analytically," Rosenwasser and Stephen, the authors, introduce a new approach to reading and writing. They have proposed this idea of taking a certain text, learning how to properly analyze that text, and using that analysis as a “lens” for the readers' future writing endeavors. Not only does “Writing Analytically” introduce the fore-mentioned process, but also dives into how one might go about complicating, or conversing, with another writer's work. In this light, the idea is that one might better understand the meaning, or meanings, behind the text that most would simply overlook.
          When taking a step back to truly attempt to understand the author's intentions in this piece, their love for literary advancement and words in general help to create the environment in which teaching and learning can play their roles. It's obvious to see that the two authors are attempting to reach through to a generation taught to read for the sake of understanding the main point. People tend to overlook the little meanings behind a particular piece of writing, and to some that may bring about the idea of a word being dead once spoken or written. Instead, Rosenwasser and Stephen pursue the educational advancement of analytical reading and writing to, in my eyes, help readers reach a point beyond their normal comfort. This opens up the gateway to allow a reader the opportunity to think more critically and gain a deeper understanding.
           As I read through “Writing Analytically,” I couldn't help but find myself in a sort of droned out state. The words seemed to just come together on the paper without managing to make much sense. The ideas were right in front of my face, laid out like Thanksgiving dinner, I just felt the dull manner in which they were presented only helped to complete the mass confusion in which I was to spend two hours laboring through. Not all of what was read passed through my mind without burrowing it's way into my memory. Referring back to what Plato speculations that the world would ultimately be damaged by the written word (Rosenwasser and Stephen 207). “Writing, he argued would eliminate people's need to remember things, and thus their capacity for assimilating information would decline (Rosenwasser and Stephen 207). An argument that could create a pathway in many different directions, yet weighs so little upon the minds of my generation. If Plato were alive to see the world as it is today, I believe he would have a big “I told you so” waiting for everyone. Why though, must a written word lose it's affect just because it's more easily accessible? The majority of the world manage to pass through their day-to-day routines without noticing the writing. In this respect, Plato was absolutely correct. Credit has been given where it is due, but mankind's ability to retract has proven to be highly remarkable. Rosenwasser and Stephen hit the nail on the head in their attempts at teaching readers that Emily Dickinson was correct when she said, “A word is dead/When it is said,/Some say./I say it just/Begins to live/That day (210). The written word has changed society's outlook on nearly everything, but they have yet to lose their meaning.

Fantastic Fourums: Ken's

First Bibliography Entry

Aziz, Hap. “The 5 Keys to Educational Technology.” The Journal. Web. 16 Sept. 2010.

Hap Aziz defines educational technology as “the considered implementation of appropriate tools, techniques or processes that facilitate the application of senses, memory, and cognition to enhance teaching practices and improve learning outcomes.” This basically means that technology is a method that thoroughly engages teachers and students alike in order to enhance their respective educational experiences.

Writng Analytically

While reading "Reading Analytically" the author seems to be arguing the case of real meaning and context of every word. Also the difference between how better reading helps you develop yourself as a better writer. I agree with the author about how words matter and meaning but not about the world being text. If I have any understanding of what the author means about the world being text and language you acquire with it, I have to say it's how you say them. Language is all about where you come from and every culture has different meanings to words. Wether your reading or writing the topic of your assignment is alway more complex then it seems. You can say a fairly simple word mean nothing intentional by it and another person can see something totally different then how you meant it. Suppose I read just as a hobby, does every word have a significant purpose combined in the reading?

The author breaks down the barriors of understanding the components when reading. She includes pitch, complaint, and the moment. If i were reading and you asked what was is the pitch? the pitch seems to me as the cause and purpose of it. The constraint is obviously the situation but the most vaulable part of it is the moment. knowing what the author or person was going through, timing, how they felt, emotion, puts you in better position of understanding. Which puts me at a standstill about her main arguement of world and text.

Reading analytically is so time consuming it's something I know I couldn't be succesful in. The authors gives different steps and ways of analyizng sources with comparsions to one another. Conversing with others ideas is the only I could from my own perspective have a better understanding of unvealing the actual meaning or text in reading analytically. I think certain things work for different people. There's plently of outstanding I would never think of in having a better understanding in writing, the converse method works best for me. You go further into detail about source the s and etc. then I'm stuck with the discussion of which one is more credible. In all the reading I don't question any of the authors ideas and information because as I before different things work for different people. Its almost like the difference between cultures.

The Rising Generation; Who Are They, And Why Do We Care?

       Where is our country headed? This is a question that has plagued my mind for years, as I sat and listened to discussions within school, my family/friends, and church. Out of frustration, feeling the overwhelming task which is, addressing this question, I was prone to press it to the back of my mind. I allowed it be numbed away by gorging my self with mind numbing media, and endless distractions leaving to wonder my interest in self preservation. This is difficult to admit, because even though it is directed to my self, and is a harsh assessment of my ability to float mindlessly in apathy, it is painfully true. Stereotyping is a tool, that often is thought of as unfair, judgmental, and frequently inaccurate. I would contend to say that stereotypes would not exist if a majority group of individuals, did not in fact trend in certain social aspects, but we all know they do. Therefore, I will not speak to the entire body of my peer group, but will hold most to this assessment of my self. Assuming I am correct in this stereotype, where does this leave us? Do we float along in our proverbial sea of apathy, hoping to never be handed the keys to the country? This day will inevitably come, my question to you and my self, is how do we prepare for that day?

Education, this seems to be where our answers lie. Such a simple answer to a seemingly difficult question. Nothing could be further from the truth, while I can easily state where I feel the fulcrum of change is based, answering how and whether or not it needs to be fixed is a conundrum of it's very own. I would like to dive into these issues with sobering statistics I have found, based on the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics). The first statistic we need to address, is according to these numbers 67 percent of jobs require post secondary schooling. Given these statistics, it would be easy to state that we just need to continue our education, and we will be on our way to a better tomorrow. Before we jump to any conclusions let's stir in some additional statistics. According to the same sampling, 28 percent of students entering 4 year colleges in the fall of 2000 required remedial courses, just to begin their college education. 42 percent of those entering 2 year colleges also required remedial courses. I would like to add a quote I found on Education.com it reads "Does earning a Diploma guarantee that a high school graduate is ready for work and college?". Based on these statistics, I am going to contend that a Diploma does not give any sort of guarantee, that a young student will be prepared for post secondary schooling. We haven't found our answers, but I do feel that this is where focus can be given to narrow down the dauntingly broad view, that education is our answer. Learning and schooling, especially in youth seems to be the logical place to begin this change to a more prepared, and able generation. Through my research, and life experience there seems to be a need for change in how our educational system is organized and facilitated. This brings me to my next question, what is the fault that can be found in the education system and how do we fix it?

There are three dominant themes that I feel are most pertinent to answering these questions. Let's start with prep schools, charter schools, private schools, basically anything outside of the public school arena. For those able to attend these institutions the benefit is obvious, smaller classes, an opportunity for parents to really choose the school that is best for their child, also they are paying for the schooling, so we can assume there is more strict accountability on teachers and administration. Adversely, the downfall of these institutions would seem obvious as well, accessibility, parents ability to afford the tuition, and a separation of peers. The concept of separation of peers brings us to an attempt introduced by the administration of President George W. Bush, the No Child Left Behind act. In the simple scheme of encouraging better education this is a great plan, those schools which do well in testing, are given a boost to their budget. Unfortunately this creates another problem that I feel stated well by Steve Farrell, "is there a better place to fight back against socialism than in ending the pernicious grip left-wing elitists have had on the minds of our children for generations?". I will not speak illy of either of these philosophies, because frankly I appreciate any attempts to better our education system. Having stated that, I also do have to agree with Farrell, that these cures for our educational ailments, will lead to an elitist society. For purposes of answering these questions, let's say the elitist section of society has left the rest of the general population behind, Where do they turn? Jennifer Dounay, dedicated an article outlining an importance of rigor, she began with this quote, "While truth-in-labeling practices in the food industry ensure that orange drink cannot be labeled orange juice without legal ramifications, schools have no such safeguards in place. Algebra I can be placed on any child’s transcript without any guarantee about the content taught or learned.” (Jean Rutherford). She continues in her article challenging schooling to have more challenging testing, to ensure that students are being given an "orange juice" education instead of the "orange drink" alternative. This illustrates a very valid point, the more difficult a task when accomplished, the more rewarding. 

To speak in league with tenured experts might be viewed as arrogance, and a naively predicated effort to boost my own ego. I am unfortunately a servant to my own experience and views, but as I mentioned it is not my intent to tear down anyone trying to better this effort, we just haven't seemed to reach the goal yet, and possibly not even based an understanding of where to begin. While reading Steve Farrell's article speaking against the leave no child behind act, he added a very interesting quote, “In my great educative work, I am beginning with the young.”. This quote was most interesting to me because, it was given by Adolph Hitler. Admittedly this may seem like a very cynical view, but it outlines the extreme importance we need to place on purposeful and functional education to our youth. To close my thoughts I would like to refer to the title of this work, The Rising Generation; Who Are They, And Why Do We Care? We are the rising generation! It is our ideology, passion, drive, and devotion to the elements that make this a free and great nation that will stand the test of the future. This has led me to one question that I cannot seem to find any researchable evidence, as future parents, is it the government and a schools responsibility to instill a desire to learn and be leaders of the nation in OUR children?

Thee Introduction

Hey everyone my name is Garrett and i'm currently in my first year at BSU. Originally a Boise native, but also spent a few years in Oregon (not the greatest, but I survived). Attempting to play my hand as an international business major, mainly because I want to see tbe world that exists outside of western North America. I have already been to Lancaster, England when I was 14 for a soccer camp...quite possibly the highlight of my entire life up to this point. I'm big into sports, mainly soccer and running, but basketball, football, tennis, etc. You name it and i'll try it. Other than that I like just hanging out with friends and family. I'm a pretty spontaneous guy once you get to know me; I like to try and make just about any situation fun. Throwing on the backburners now, the last little tidbit i'd like to include is the enjoyment I get out of intellectual conversations. It's not often that I find other people who share the same interest, but I figure college would be a good starting point. I'm really looking forward to this semester and what's in store!

Fantastic Fourums: Ken's

Fantastic Fourums: Ken's
MY INTRO

I'm a little late in posting an introduction, but my name is Ken. I'm currently a freshman at Boise State University intending to seek a career in electrical engineering. As for personal interests, you could say I'm your typical college computer geek and video-game guru and otaku. That's me in a nutshell. I'm the only child in our family, and I have two cats named Figaro and Peach Peach (actually, Peach Peach belongs to our next-door neighbor, but they decided to share her with us, since she's become attached to us). I'm looking forward to having a productive year in this class.

My intro!

My name is MIchael Walker. I was born and have always lived in Idaho, so you can be assured I am basically awesome. There are 6 children in my family, and of them I am the youngest. My life right now, can be boiled down to four main parts, the first of which is I am LDS and a firm believer in my faith. Next, as far as work goes, I am a server at The Cheesecake Factory. I am of course a student at Boise State University, where my major is psychology. Outside of those core elements of my life I have a crazy passion for competition; specifically in the vein of athletics. This being said I am going to add a shameless personal plug, and ask that anyone knowing of any fun sporting activities i.e., basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, etc. I better hear about it, and be invited! My next passion is writing, which while I have been out of school has been more difficult to keep a priority. This is my first year of college since I have been out of high school, so I am very excited to have a little more purpose/drive to write. This is me in a very superficial and simple nutshell, but I hope to share with, and get to know everyone over the course of this service learning and course!

Inroduction

Hello, My names is Jerrell Gavins and I'm a student-athlete at BSU. I'm from Miami,Fl and this is my second year attending BSU. My major is communication and I actually like and enjoy the different types of communications. It interest me because of the wide variety of communication. Of course Eglish is a requirement but I enjoy English as well. Journal writing, reading(certain things), and always finding ways to better my writing is fun. My hobbies are fishing, football, and just enoying quality time with family and friends. I'm a very quite person, enjoys being alone alot but isnt super anti-social. I have 4 sisters and I'm the only boy, lucky me. Thats about it I look forward to having a really productive year in your class!