I teach eleventh and twelfth grade English at Milwaukee School of Languages. This year I am teaching two sections of AP English Literature and Composition, one section of American Authors, one elective course called "Writing Lab," and an elective course on Linguistics (if you're thinking that having four preps is absolutely ridiculous, you are right).
My Linguistics class is my "life's work." I designed the course for my Master's thesis project, and it is the only high school level course on Linguistics taught in the United States. Ultimately, I would like to turn Linguistics into an online course so that high school students who do not attend my school could also take Linguistics. My school district (Milwaukee Public Schools) is starting a requirement that all students must take either an online course or service-learning course by 2014, and I think Linguistics would be a great course to go district-wide in an online format. I am hoping that this course will give me skills that will help me to see the different ways that I can conduct my own online class some day.
I started my first blog this past April at http://msloosen.blogspot.com as a record of a trip I took this summer to take a class on Poetry at the University of Oxford (and then I went to the Olympics in London!) as part of a national Fund for Teachers scholarship. I have a second blog at http://highschoollinguistics.blogspot.com where I've posted some ideas for other teachers who are interested in teaching Linguistics at their schools.
Suzi, What a fascinating job you have. You must be proud to have the only class like this in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI think the concept for a linguistics class online is valuable and hopefully it will work for your school distict.
I agree that learning is a life long goal. I tell my students that I will be learning until I am in the ground because life, technology, education and people are always changing and we, as educators, need to keep up with all of the changes. To be an effective teacher, you have to be willing to grow, like you did on your trip to England. That must have been an incredible dream come true for you. Your concept on seeing art is fantastic. Your site was truly enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing to view. I loved your ideas, and the pictures from the 41st floor across Milwaukee were fabulous. I noticed you had a resident expert come to your school and feel that is always beneficial for students. Practical application only enhances the experience for our students and you did that with both the speaker and the visit to the museum. I love the paintings you chose to analyze. Wondering how your students are reacting to your project for the school year? Do they balk at any of the assignments, especially some less than great writers?
I noticed you were looking for a way to expand your AP class writers outside the classroom and am wondering if you have tried this site
http://www.epals.com/
Thanks for sharing all your wonderful work
Suzi,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first blog I've ever read....feel special. Anyway, enjoyed reading this. And, enjoyed more looking at your first blog, especially the material from AP English. Very nice. At some point I'd like to know about any legal agreements you have with your district relative to your online course. Mike
Suzi,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I hope you are able to infuse some of the things we learn in this class into your AP classes. Do you find it easy or difficult to use technology is your district? We have an issue with having enough computers and Kindles for our students.
Julie
Although you have a lot on your plate with your four preps, your work in the classroom sounds awesome! -Maybe more like awe inspiring for a third year teacher, like me. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your information on the Milwaukee Public Schools, I find that very interesting that they will be requiring students to take online classes. It really reinforces the relevancy of this course for all of us!
Thanks for your positive feedback, everyone!
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions...
Kathy, students have been doing well with the project and with our overall theme. I haven't had a problem with students balking at the assignments, perhaps because I had all of my AP students in my American Authors classes last year so we know each other well. And I'll definitely check out epals.
Mike, I have no legal agreement with my school district. And yes, I feel special.
Julie, this year I got a laptop cart in my room, so that was a big step forward (although the laptops were purchased specifically for MAP testing, they are great to use for my Writing Lab). Kindles? Wow, I don't think we have any Kindles for students in MPS.
Dana-thanks!