As I moved in ENA099 and this media unit, I feel like I met some challenges especially with taking the practice CATS. There were several different learning experiences especially in this class, from watching the Truman Show to watching the Matrix at home then comparing them but using writing strategies to do so. I thought this was interesting teaching approach and I actually saw it as a challenge but at the same time, I like it.
The practice CAT was the most challenging part of this course because I felt like that was my first true challenge and it felt as if I was taking the CAT for real because the professor made it feel that way. Even though I failed on my first attempt I think it was great learning experience. My professor provided great feedback on my CAT on what to do more and what to do less on the next one. I think my strengths are writing in bulk, I can write for days but if I don't use examples or draw from my personal experiences how can the readers understand my summary. On the second practice CAT, I used more examples and drew more from personal experiences and wrote them down in my summary. I hope I did well and I passed. If I didn't, I have to keep working hard and practicing.
The blog on the Matrix I found to be a little difficult considering the text was quite long and maybe I was just a bit lazy in my approach. I love the movie but never thought about it in the way it was showed to us in class. The comparison and the techniques we learned in class from annotating and using claims, reasons, and evidence and applying them to these examples were quite challenging. Using these techniques made me look at these movies differently. Annotating is an important process for me and I must make sure I do annotate before I begin summarize. It is an efficient writing technique that I must apply to every text I summarize.
In conclusion and reflecting back on my coursework and my blogs, I think blogging is a good teaching platform. A little different from when I was in college in 2003. I took this same course and it was so much different. We didn't use blogging nor did we do so many class activities involving groups. It was vaguer and not really enticing but it was a lot easier. If I recall correctly, I did pass my CAT back then but it doesn't count now. I look forward to class and learning more. I will look improve on my weaknesses and meet my goal which is pass the the real CAT when the time comes.
Till next time…
Very interesting reflection. I am glad you like blogging and I am curious--what kinds of activities did you do in the previous iterations of this class? Did you cover grammar?
ReplyDeleteDoctor X, that was back in 2003 so if i recall correctly some of the activites were just reading textes and summarizing them. I recall it not being as hands on and fun as your class. Grammer on the other hand was not covered. By the way, I just double checked and I did not pass my CAT as I previously indicated in my blog. May i ask why you asked about Grammer?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your feedback!