Part the First: To continue our discussion of margin and center groups, and indirect and direct communication--I think some of those concerns really come into play when we're talking with writers about revision. We questioned in class about how direct to be about a writing situation, and I think we often should lean towards the explicit--name the rules and the idea that writing works a certain way in certain situations (or rather, people expect it to look a certain way). It is one thing to ask a writer, "Is there anything about this introductory paragraph you'd like to change?" That's an indirect question, a la, "Would you like to take a bath now?" Some of us understand that neither is intended as a question, even though phrased as such. It is another thing to say, "This introductory paragraph does not seem to me to have as much of a focus as an academic essay usually does. Many faculty like to see a thesis statement early on in the paper, often towards the end of the introductory paragraph. Why don't we talk about what is possible for this paragraph?" Is that too heavy handed? I'm interested in what you think.
Part the Second: We had a good day at Xavier on Friday, and the folks there put on a good meeting. An improv group, some thoughtful talks, and good food. Just what a conference should have. We especially liked the idea of having whiteboard walls; we're going to buy some paint and do the same in our space. Also, our work connects well with the improv theme that the Xavier folks put forward. We might even be able to conduct an improv workshop at the next OWCC meeting, at Miami University, in Oxford, on October 5th. I'll keep you updated. But, do ask Autumn, Jennifer, Ana Jeanne, Evan, and Keri for their thoughts. We can talk some on it in class, too.
Blog post now ended.
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