What My Students Learned This Semester

Taking inspiration from Jo(e), I passed out index cards and asked my students to write down one thing they learned in class this semester.  These are the anonymous responses I received in the order in which I received them.

I learned how much of a difference ten years of research and planning can make and how wrongly the media can inform that public during times of panic.

I learned how to refine my writing, pretty much learned how to write like an adult.  I learned that writing like a professional could equal some serious cash once I get myself a career.

I learned how a factual book such as Columbine can be sound and effective.  I also learned how not to handle a school shooting.

This is one of the few classes where the real world is actually applied to the lessons.  I can see myself using a lot of this material in the workforce.

I learned that I can actually read a whole book during the semester for a class.  Was a great one, too!

I learned many important skills to be successful in the business world, like how to properly format and write an email, memo, report, and give a Pecha Kucha presentation.

I learned that media can jump to conclusions and do whatever they can to get a story.

I learned that Columbine was more than just a shooting by two outcasts and that my school could learn from it even.

The Columbine killers were not a cult of gothic outcasts!!

Report writing is wicked hahd, but the final product is worth all of the effort.

I learned a lot about the details/truth behind the Columbine shooters and the people involved.

I learned how to write a memo.  It sounds simple, but there are many steps that go into making a good one.

I learned just about everything that I know about the Columbine shootings, since I barely knew anything about them before reading the book for this course.

Well, first it confirmed my idea that you are awesome.  I also learned how to create a good report through instruction and the book.  I also learned more about Columbine, which I enjoyed.  Happy Holidays!

I finally learned how to properly use a semicolon.

I learned that just because it's researched thoroughly, it can still be lovely to read, if written right.  And SWAT used to suck.

Pecha Kucha presentations!  Although, I was not a presenter, learning how to make one was very helpful.  Presentations are very difficult for me, but this could quite possibly change my view of them.

I learned about memos.  A thank you memo was sent after one of my job interviews, and the boss was impressed.  Thank you.  And the truth about Columbine.

Links for Class on Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sample Pecha Kucha Presentations.

Wikipedia entry on Pecha Kucha.

TED Talks.

Action List for the Remainder of the Semester

• There will be no official class meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2010, but A320 will be available for your use, and I will be in my office for any questions.
• Each person needs to email Optional Revisions of the Correspondence Project to me by noon EST on Friday, December 3, 2010; I will not accept late revisions for any reason.
• There will be no official class meeting on Tuesday, December 7, but I will be in A109 for any groups that want to meet.
• Each group needs to email me your PowerPoint presentation by 2:05 PM EST on Thursday, December 9, 2010.
• Each person needs to email me your individual Presentation Memo by noon EST on Saturday, December 11, 2010.

Action List for Tuesday, November 30, 2010

• Email the Formal Report to me anytime after class today until 6:00 PM on Monday, November 29; know that the last day you can speak with me to go over a draft is Tuesday, November 23 (though I will answer questions by email over the break; I just will not look at complete drafts).
• Remember that DWA #15 (the last DWA) will be held during class.

Action List for Thursday, November 18, 2010

• Read "Collaborating on Writing Projects" (Chp. 6 in WTP) and "Professional Presentations" (Chp. 17 in WTP.)
• Remember that DWA #14 will be held during class.

Sample Tables of Contents and Executive Summaries

If you wish to review them again, here are the sample Tables of Contents that I went over in class last week.  For today's class, you will refer to these sample Executive Summaries.

Extended Office Hours

We're at the point where a lot is coming due, so I have extra office hours this week and next.  To guarantee a meeting, schedule a time in class or through email, or you can take a chance and drop in.  But I will be in my office at the following times.

• Tuesday, November 16 -- 11:00 to 12:00
• Wednesday, November 17 -- 11:45 to 1:15
• Thursday, November 18 -- 10:45 to 12:00
• Friday, November 19 -- 12:00 to 3:00
• Tuesday, November 23 -- 10:00 to 12:00 and 2:00 to 4:00