Jan 2, 2009, About SBI and My Web Business Adventure
When I learned about SBI, starting a business made more sense than just writing books or teaching writing. You can start an Internet business, too.
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Dec 30, 2008, Outline for Essay Is a Cinch with Tiny Tweak to Writing Skelton
If the outline for essay made with a writing skeleton gives the wrong impression, adding three words to the working thesis sentence will fix the problem. Those three words are
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Dec 30, 2008, How to Make an Outline by Filling in Three Blanks
Students learn how to make an outline easily when they build a unique sentence outline from a working thesis statement. Learn the simple formula.
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Dec 27, 2008, Online Free Dictionary Websites for Writers, Writing Teachers
So many different dictionaries are on line that finding just one online free dictionary can be daunting. Learn some good dictionary websites for English and writing teachers.
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Dec 26, 2008, Favorite Writing and Grammar Resources for Electronic Access
When you can't reach for a book, you can access some of your favorite writing and grammar resources online. Bookmark websites that allow public access to electronic versions of books.
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Dec 26, 2008, Writing and Grammar Resources for the Writing Teacher
Learn cheap sources of printed writing and grammar resources. A few books for teaching writing and grammar for writing are suggested.
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Dec 20, 2008, Science writing de-emphasis worries students
Students at McGill University are worried about the de-emphasis on writing as a requirement for science researchers.
Researchers must not only be able to communicate with each other, but communicate to an increasingly science-illiterate public.
McGill students have created a new journal to give undergraduate science students a place to publish their writing.
Blog writing won't cut it here. The McGill Student Undergraduate Research Journal (mSURJ) is for serious writing about science and technology research.
Manuscripts have to pass muster with the journal's editorial board and then pass review by three independent experts in the field.
McGill University has a long history of undergraduate research. In the fifties a McGill undergrad created the world's first artificial cells in his dorm room.
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Dec 15, 2008, Contest for Creative Chicago-Area Young Adults
If you live within 100 miles of the Loop (or have a student in college in that area), check out the Union League Civic & Arts Foundation's Creative Writing Competition.
There's no entry fee, deadline isn't until June 1, 2009, and there are nearly $10,000 in prize money.
Categories are:
High school division for poetry. First place, $500.
College division (18-24) for short story, novel excerpt, or creative nonfiction. Top prize is $2000.
Young Adult Division (25-30). short story, novel excerpt, or creative nonfiction. Top prize is $3000.
Check the organization's website for applications, guidelines, information about last year's winners.
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Dec 6, 2008, Questions and answers
During the 2008 US vice presidential debate, Sarah Palin said if moderator Gwen Ifill could ask whatever she wanted; "I'm gonna answer whatever I want."
That exchange amused me, but it also got me thinking about how teachers handle questions and answers.
When I teach asynchronous online classes, I post discussion questions for all students to answer. I refuse to allow students to copy my question into their post or to rely on a subject line to indicate which question they are answering. In my classes, each discussion question response must begin with a summary of the gist of the question.
For example, if the discussion question asks
How is a myth different from a fairy tale?
the students' answer should begin
A myth is different from a fairy tale . . . . .
In other words, the answer to the question begins with the writer's thesis sentence.
The same question-answer approach can be used for oral group discussion. Require each new speaker (including the teacher) to summarize the previous speaker's point. This technique . . .
Encourages active listening.
Aids hearers in distinguishing words in context
Focuses attention on content rather than personalities.
This oral strategy also makes teaching and learning more pleasant.
If you ask Josh to indicate the verb in a sentence and he shrugs, "Dunno," you may be tempted to respond with a curt and cutting remark.
However, if Josh says, "I don't know which word is the verb," aren't you more likely to want to teach him? I would be.
Neither of these strategies are difficult, expensive, or time consuming. Yet they contribute to more congenial and productive classroom learning.
Dec 2, 2008, Student writers: name next Martian rover
NASA and Disney’s Pixar Studios are hosting a competition for K-12 students to name the next Mars rover scheduled to leave the
Earth during 2009.
What makes the contest unusual is that the entries are judged not just on the name, but on a persuasive essaythat explains why
the name is appropriate for the rover.
Maximum essay lengths vary by grade. For example, 500 words is the maximum for eighth graders.
Prizes include a trip to California to visit NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab.
Entries are due no later than January 25, 2009.
Details are at http://marsrovername.jpl.nasa.gov/
Dec 1, 2008, Passionate About Teaching Writing
The experience of Linda Aragoni is proof anybody who knows some basic principles can teach writing. Meet Linda and learn about she fell into teaching and what else she does.
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Dec 1, 2008, Lead seminarians to the thesis
If you have visited my site before, you are probably familiar with my soapbox rant about the importance of having a clear thesis.
I read Thanksgiving weekend that Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is creating a course on short, nonfiction writing called "Don't Bury the Lead." The course is designed to help pastors communicate with contemporary audience.
The lead is the main point of a message, which the ELA community calls a thesis statement.
Based on surveys and focus group responses, the seminary concluded that many of its grads knew their material but just could not put it across to their audiences in short formats.
Our students, like the seminarians, not only have to know their stuff but be able to communicate it succinctly.
Being able to put content in a kernel has benefits for the students themselves. Having a clear point before they flesh out the communication lets them zip through composition. They have already eliminated extraneous material.
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Nov 29, 2008, Service-learners writing scholarship
US high school seniors engaged in service learning can compete for three $5,000 scholarhips. Entry categories are
Persuasive essay
Personal narrative
News story
Details will be posted January 5, 2005 at www.theleague.org. Check the website for information about service learning. Students don't have to be part of a LEAGUE classroom to enter the competition.
Entries will be due by March 6, 2009.
