Teacher's Blogs

The whole site of www.awaytoteach.net is a great resource because it has blogs by teachers for teachers, as well as blogs that pose questions that other instructors answer with their own opinions. A more specific part of the site is http://www.awaytoteach.net/?q=node/2411, which has the title: “A clash of symbols: does the teaching of ideas such as "symbols," and "theme" help or hurt a student's understanding of the text,” which has numerous blog entries from other teachers responding to the question.

Some simply provided an opinion (often felt strongly about), such as: “Symbols and Themes are a must!!!” Another said, “Well, besides the fact that I'd probably lose my job if I didn't teach that way, because that's what is expected, I never thought of questioning whether or not this was a good idea.” Others told stories of their own teaching experiences. One even suggested a 30 minute lesson plan that she found successful in teaching themes and symbols.

I noticed immediately how each teacher responded in a different way. Not only were there a variety of opinions, but the way in which they expressed them varied drastically. Some teachers blogged in a way that they might communicate on a social networking site, with all capital letters at times and fragmented sentences. Other teacher's blogging was easily comprehensible, using full sentences, although not in a way that was overly complex. Still others used more academic language, assuming the role of instructor and blogged as if they were composing a textbook.

I found the differences in the way the teachers blogged somewhat frustrating because it made me wonder if there is a “correct” way of writing blogs. Personally, I think the teachers writing with a wider range of vocabulary often sounded much more credible than the ones that didn’t.   

Another teacher’s blog I went to was by Jim Burke: http://jimburke.typepad.com/, which is titled – "For every class, a proposal: Make it matter.” I liked his blog because it is well-written, yet very accessible and personable. It's also motivational. He prompts teachers to “Challenge your every idea: Why read that? Is that the best configuration for a discussion or is there a better one?” He also advises: “Only do what makes a difference, that's my credo.” I think blogs like this one are the most attractive because the writers are credible, motivational, helpful, experienced, and enjoyable to read.