This I Believe: Common Reading Goes to the Classroom
September 29, 2009
We continue our exploration of the university’s reflection on the year’s Common Reading with the review of exciting experiences in University 1000 and General Studies Writing classes. UNIV 1000 and General Writing instructors shared their perspectives on how the Common Reading can be implemented in the classroom curricula.
There are several types of assignments organized around This I Believe theme, such as essay writing, discussion facilitation, reviews, group presentations, or semester papers. Instructors might have different ideas on what particular topics they want their students to think about such as family relationship, professional growth, learning philosophies, religion, war, art and many others. However, these instructors believe that these assignments will help students to develop important skills in order to be successful in their pursuit of achievements as they enter academic life and go further in their life discoveries.
The desired development of students’ skills are aligned with classes objectives and learning outcomes. Some of them are concentrated on simply enlarging students’ knowledge on societal issues, encouraging students to go deeper in their understanding of consequences of past actions. Others focus on helping their students master analytical skills, as they reflect on how the class discussions of various This I Believe topics changed their perspectives over the semester. Another group of instructors work on improving students’ creative and critical thinking as they invite them to write diagnostic essays on certain events mentioned in the book. Additionally, there are instructors who attempt to develop better communication skills among their students as students are challenged to state and defend their positions, argue and reflect on others’ assertions and assumptions.
Michael Ginsburg, Associate Dean of Students, told us that he wants his students “to look into themselves and start to define who they are as a person in relation to others and the world around them.” Michael’s short statement helps us grasp the scale of the Common Reading’s impact on student’s general growth and development.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Posted in Uncategorized .
