Updates

Actually, I found an answer to why I tended to have the product as soon as possible. Research by Carson reveals that Chinese and Japanese writing is product oriented and English writing is often process oriented. Well, since I am an Asian, I guess I am part of that. However, our writing system is different than Japanese and Chinese, Mongolian traditional writing goes from top to bottom.

For my writing class, the last home assignment was to write a descriptive writing. I have to admit that even in my native language, I have never attempted doing that and obviously, it wasn’t easy task doing it in different language. My poor vocabulary really bothered me to express me ideas. With guidance, I handled it somehow. Good thing is I am still enjoying this challenging work of writing. It awakens me.

RE computer class, even though it is fun to create website etc, having no access to Front Page at home really bothered me. Thank God, I found one yesterday and was able to finish my page.

Learning

I decided to focus on one theme.

I find the process of creating my website quite fun and challenging. I searched several sample websites developed by former students and among them, I found Undra’s website very focused and useful for the audience, the links she provided are excellent source of information. Scott’s page looks fascinating also, especially his picture selections. From Undra’s website, I read a very powerful sentence that “…writing is a process what we have to grow and cook message.” I’ve never thought that way about writing. This message gave me the realization about what I need to do with my writing. Usually, I tend to write my papers in one sitting, which is very true in my case and no wonder about the quality of my papersJ! So I learned I need to be more patient when I write.

My other class on Teaching Writing actually confirms and enriches my understanding about writing from Undra’s site. The class discusses about the balance between writing process and product, which is very interesting and true concept. In my case, I often require myself to make the product ready and push myself to come up with beautiful and meaningful ideas, yet feeling blank. I just blamed myself for not being able to put words in attractive ways and believed that those who write beautifully are born with it. Through the class, I realized that I ignored the very important stage which is the PROCESS. By learning all the detailed steps what writers take, for the first time I allowed myself to sink into the writing process without hurry and pressure to quickly finish, and it actually felt great and gave me more freedom to think in depth and thus produce my own ideas. This was a BIG LEARNING.

I am curious how others write.

Creating a blog

It is such fun working with a computer and internet in the classroom. It's my very first experience creating my own blog, I love it. I'm planning to share my classroom experiences, I think it would be fun for me as well as for others to read. I am taking two classes, one is TESL 565-this class, Using computer for language teaching, the other is EDCI 523, Princples, practices, teaching writing. I find these classes very interesting and useful.

I just wonder whether it is a good idea to focus on one theme or go with different topics weekly. Do you guys have some ideas or advice?

Actually, today is my birthday, I am turning 30. How do I feel? I feel fine, a little sad saying goodbye to my 20s.