Autumn is here, ….and so is your thesis ☺️

It is officially harvest time. Thanks to Hunter for kicking off the our thesis presentation series! It is hard to give this “a go” in the early stages of development, but I think Hunter set the tone effectively by sharing his approach and the overall frame of his work. I think he has effectively “left space” for what emerges between his planned autoethnographic writings, and his eventual interpretation or analysis of those vignettes or anecdotes of his own writing experience as both student and tutor. The arc of the work – from reluctant student to confident writer with a job as a writing tutor at the University’s Writing Center – is a perfect lens for this project. I am sure it will be a unique and thoughtful contribution to the overall sub-field of Writing Studies and more specifically, the question of institutional support for reluctant and developing writers.

I am glad we are now officially in “thesis-in-progress season” (i.e. the Presentation Series) with a glimpse into each of your ongoing work and a focus on your process. Up next, a glimpse into Michael’s work! I am looking forward to hearing more, and I think we will all see how much progress he has made. I look forward to the conversation we will all have based on his presentation.

This coming week also mark National Day on Writing, so in lieu of a our usual check in we can add some reflections on writing to our KUWP Public Art display, which celebrates our unique writing community.

Autumn hues…

It’s Coming Together (I think?)

This past week was actually pretty darn great!

I had an amazing observation from my Principal on Tuesday, and honestly, I have to say, that I’m really proud of myself. I was commended for how well I work with my co-teacher lolllll.

Anyways, in terms of my project updates, a few things have changed:

My IRB application has been resubmitted, and I have observations coming up next weekend, so I’m hoping to get full approval asap.

My literature review is now complete. I am so glad that all of the long Saturday time crunches are starting to ease up a bit. I am also excited to present Monday. (I totally forgot about my presentation, and only remembered last night.) However, my slideshow was completed last Monday, and I forgot about that too!

Before Class – Monday, October 19

In preparation for my M.A. thesis presentation, please briefly review the following two teaching observation frameworks:

  1. Danielson Framework for Teaching (2022): Familiarize yourself with the four domains, paying particular attention to Domain 3 (Learning Experiences).
  2. York College Teaching Observation Form: Review the observation categories and consider how the instrument evaluates teaching practices in higher education.

As you review both frameworks, consider the following question:

What differences do you notice in how each framework defines and evaluates effective teaching?

You do not need to complete a written response. Please come prepared to share your initial observations during our class discussion.

– It is okay if you are unable to read the frameworks. I will provide time during my presentation to briefly review them, so that I can address any misconceptions.

Some misconceptions that I anticipate are:

1. The Danielson Framework is only intended for K–12 education. Classmates may assume it cannot provide meaningful insight into college instruction because it is primarily associated with K–12 settings.

2. Both frameworks evaluate the same instructional practices. Classmates may assume that two teaching observation instruments necessarily measure effectiveness in similar ways.

3. A more detailed framework is automatically a better framework. Classmates may equate greater pedagogical specificity with greater validity or usefulness.

4. An observation captures everything about an instructor’s teaching. Classmates may overlook instructional planning, professional responsibilities, and decisions that are not directly observable.

5. Teaching writing is evaluated the same way as teaching any other subject. Classmates may not initially consider discipline-specific practices such as modeling revision, providing writing feedback, and facilitating peer review.