Inside
Scoop for Writing/Learning
By Jei-Ming Ang
Introduction:
Have
you ever wanted to enter the mind of an English teacher? Well do not worry, you
are in luck. Mrs. Deliee is an English 10 teacher, both in the honors and
regular levels. She was my English 10 Honors teacher last year. I always wanted
to find out how teachers plan their lessons and how teachers who have extensive
knowledge in their respective fields learn even more information. Furthermore,
my enjoyment of her class led to me wondering Mrs. Deliee’s thought process and
background. As a result, I decided to interview Mrs. Deliee.
Interview:
Q: What sparked your interest to become an English
teacher?
A: The love for books, always been a reader. I wanted
to share that level of literature with students. However, I did not want to be
a teacher first. I was an actress then teacher. Being a teacher was not my
original plan.
Q: What type of style helps you best learn?
A: Visual learner, I always have to see everything I
am able to process what I see if given directions. I don’t like anything auditory,
don’t like audio books as well.
Q: How do you create lessons that involve students to
write if you do create any lesson involving writing?
A: Work backwards, I ask myself, “What do I want my
student to accomplish?” Develop a path to get to that point. I think about the
tools that students are likely to have and which ones they will need. Writing
instruction is different from regular analysis but it all ties in together.
Q: What is your take on peer tutoring? How do you
think that tutoring can help students learn?
A: Peer tutoring is great. Students are often willing
to accept feedback from their peers. I think that students are more receptive
to direction or approach rather than from a teacher. Peer tutoring can be more
individualized and often self-initiated which gives the students more
confidence.
Q: Do you write during your free time? If you do what
is your favorite type of writing?
A: I do write on my own, mostly screenwriting for the
last several years. Screenwriting involves my partner and me. I enjoy the
collaborative and creative process.
Q: Why do you think it is important to learn about
writing?
A: People often feel that writing should be something
that everyone does. It is a learning process for everybody. Misconception that
everyone knows “how to write” limits the willingness to try and write. Writing
is hard to do but you must try many times.
Q: How do you teach if some students learn different
from the way that you teach? Do you vary your lessons?
A: I vary lessons, try to redo most lessons every
year. A lot of that depends on the needs of that specific group. If students
aren’t getting what I teach, I try to think if I am relying too much on one
approach. I ask to myself what else I can do so I can teach that one person. I
try to use variety because not every style fits for every student. I always try
to provide choices in each assignment. For students, it is good to know where
and how they shine in assignments. However, sometimes I encourage others to try
something else. Everyone has to adapt.
Q: What was your best experience as a teacher in terms
of writing?
A: One thing I enjoy as a teacher are writing teacher
recommendations. Because I get to see the reflection sheets that students have
to complete. It is interesting to see the student’s perspective on that
specific year. “What was their takeaway?” “What was there most meaningful
experience?” I usually am really surprised at what they thought about the
classes I taught. It is always nice to see students reflecting.
Conclusion:
Interviewing
a teacher is a great opportunity because now a student has the chance to ask
the questions rather than the reverse. A benefit is great to get insider info
from someone who specializes in teaching and writing. As a WSHS Writing Center
tutor, I wanted to get a different perspective on writing, teaching, and peer
tutoring to help me further develop my tutoring skills. Thank you to Mrs.
Deliee for allowing me to interview her.
Additional Information to
Ponder:
I loved how you asked thought provoking and interesting questions to Mrs. Deliee. Furthermore, I was interested to know what goes on in an English teacher's mind when he/she plans a lesson. It was very cool to know what goes on inside their mind. What brought you to those questions? Why did you ask what you asked?
ReplyDeleteJoseph Price
I feel like I really got to know Mrs. Deliee after having read this! Since your interview, have you thought of any ways that the Writing Center could do to further reach out to more teachers? What is Mrs. Deliee's view on the WSWC? Maybe a question you could ask her in the future is what she thinks the Writing Center could do to encourage more teachers to utilize it as a resource.
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