Ignite Talk

1-This presentation denotes my previous understanding and expectations of English classes and how those thoughts have been completely redefined throughout this semester. 2-My previous English classes can be summed up in a few words: Essays, Grammar, Required Readings, and SAT prep. For the past four years it seems that I have been preparing for some of the most challenging English classes that exist. What I expected was the exact opposite of what I got. 3- My High school English teachers assured me that I could expect to write endless essays, analyze poetry, and read old English novels on a regular basis. I felt like I was preparing for my failure rather than figuring out how to avoid it. 4-It was very confusing for me at first to understand the way we were being taught English my first semester here. Everything I had anticipated suddenly changed and instead of applying what I had been taught the past four years, I was instead encouraged to think, and have my own opinion and perspective. 5-I found that given the option to voice my opinions and be creative in class, I was contributing and more invested in the quality of my work. I quickly became more engaged in class, although I wasn’t always vocal with my thoughts, the ways in which I was learning had a huge impact that influenced me in all subjects. denotes 6-It was very interesting applying what I was learning to new technology, as well as social media. I enjoyed keeping a daily journal, but I found the learning through social media sites to be thought-provoking. I now understand that I am able to learn anywhere as long as a keep an open-minded perspective. 7-I’ve kept a Journal before in my English classes and I assumed that this would be similar. They both embody notes from class, but the most previous journal is more personal and I feel like I can talk freely about the topics we are discussing knowing that I will not be graded for my individual perspective. 8-We do so much group work and sharing our works in class, I really love that we get to have the privacy of our journal. It’s great that the curriculum of this class satisfies the many different learning styles of each student. 9-I’ve worked in groups before, but I really appreciated the emphasis of peer-based learning throughout the semester. It’s difficult for me to share some of my works, but in a peer setting I am more comfortable and feel a sense of community and acceptance. 10-Playing string games, having creative freedom, and playing improve at first seemed pointless. But towards the end of the lesson I soon realized just how important abstract thought was to the way I learn. I now understand new ideas quicker since I have worked on developing my abstract thought processes. 11-Blogging is such a great way to combine creativity, peer-based learning, instruction, discovery, and individuality. I thought that using a blog throughout the semester was a great way to learn and I feel that I have benefited from this most throughout the class. 12-There were times when I thought that the required blog posts became very tedious. However, looking back I truly appreciate the freedom I was given. In comparison to the strict assignments given in high school, creating a blog post posed to be much easier. 13-I really enjoy looking back through my blog and watching my progress. Although there are several obvious areas where my writing lacked depth I feel that I have been able to apply the things I have learned in class to my writing more. In comparison to my old works I am more personal, independent, and creative. 14-As redundant as revision and drafting may be, it has made a huge impact in my education. Though the process is somewhat tiresome, I have found that the final product is always worth the extra effort. 15-The revision processes I have learned will apply not only to English classes, but all projects and classes in my future. It’s important to review and revise any work that I do, in order to ensure I am capable and willing to create my best work. 16-I think it’s important to not only understand the material taught in each class but have the ability to apply it to other areas in life. That’s why rediscovering a new way of thinking and approaching English will essentially enable me to apply myself more to topics of interest. 17-I know that everyone in this room was required to take some form of standardized test in order to be accepted to college. Like many other students I followed up the staircase of success completing each task. Before realizing that I had many options for my future I was already enrolled at UNC-Charlotte. 18-After analyzing preparatory steps to attend college in class, I have a new perspective on college readiness. Students should be taught to mold their mind and learn in new ways, instead of anticipating failure. This class has completely redefined my perspective of English courses. 19-Overall I feel that college isn’t easier or more difficult than I expected it to be. My whole perspective and way of learning has completely changed and I feel that I am now a better student because of it. I’m more open-minded, I understand the importance of revision, and I have been taught to look at every angle of a lesson before concluding.