Lauren’s Blog

Lauren Marks

ENG 1023.17

Instructor Blackwell

3 May 2007 

Final Exam  

Before this class, I had never used a blog.  I did not even know what its purpose was but I knew I would become more familiar with it throughout the semester.  You can call me technologically illiterate, but this was the first internet program of this kind that I have experienced.  My initial reaction to writing and submitting all of our documents in a blog was that it sounded like a good way to improve my writing.  Previously, I had only used paper and pencil and Microsoft Word to create my writing assignments.  I thought that these were the best ways to develop as a writer.  I began to realize, however, that using a blog to express myself was a more sufficient way to learn.   Using a blog this semester was a good way to be both in and out of class, and still complete the assignments.  I could also compare my reasoning to other students after assignments were due and see how they responded to the coursework.  My blog was a personal place where I could write anything and create my own style.  It helped me realize what I was doing right and what I was doing incorrectly throughout the semester.  It was very helpful to get Instructor Blackwell’s feedback on what we had written at least once a week.  Then, I was able to reflect on and take into consideration what she wrote to see what she was looking for in my writing.  She gives suggestions to become a better writer within my papers.   

Also, when commenting on other students blogs, it was beneficial to see what they thought about my ideas and how I could expand my ideas.  Other students brought mistakes, I was making, to my attention so I could fix them.  Not only did they give me guidance, but they a lot of times had a different way of looking at what I was trying to portray, and gave me other possible options.  By giving my peers other suggestions, they too were able to enhance their topics and create better papers.   Not only was the blog helpful in my English class, but it also expanded my knowledge in all other courses.  I am now able to express myself more clearly over the internet so people can better understand where I am coming from.  For example, when Instructor Blackwell had our class create introductions, conclusions, and an audience for our research paper, I was able to write a better paper because I knew what I wanted to say and who I wanted to say it to.  Also, the example Argument and Counterargument helped me weed out unnecessary information so I presented my ideas clearly to the reader.  In the past, I was unfamiliar with creating a strong argument to back my point up, but now I can produce a stronger side to my argument.        

Having our lesson plans online was an advantage as well, so I could prepare for our class ahead of time.  I enjoyed knowing what we were going to be discussing in the next class and being informed of when the next assignment was due.  Being able to look back on past weeks objectives was beneficial too, incase we had missed a class.  Some people may be absent for medical purposes, family issues, etc. and this was a good way to get in touch with what the class had been doing in the previous week and what our Instructor was expecting of us.  The Advice Links were convenient to me because I am a freshman and blogs are new to me.  Talking to a professor can be intimidating your first year, but these links were a good place to find out easy information without bothering my Professor.   Submitting our coursework on the blog was effortless.  I was given ample time to complete assignments, and posting them on my blog could not have been easier.  Being informed of deadlines in advance gave me a huge advantage.  I could even submit my homework early and then be relieved.  There were never any complications with posting a blog, so homework was not stressful.  Usually, courses require you to submit assignments to the digital drop box and you can never really tell if the Instructor has received your work.  It may say that you have sent the document, but you cannot go back and check if it was confirmed.  With the blog, you can always go to your own site and check what you have posted.  It is a more convenient way of submitting homework because you can be sure that it is published and you can see exactly how it looks.   

Overall, WordPress was a great way to write this semester.  I not only learned a new program, but I learned to improve my writing.  Technology is improving so rapidly, and in so many ways now, that I am sure that many more teachers will start to use this exceptional method of teaching.  Technology is the gateway to our future.  We can learn something new every day from the internet.  Not only is WordPress a great place to blog, but it was a great approach for distance learning.  For us students who commute, we could take advantage of this online opportunity and use it to benefit us.  It was a convenient way to learn, and be taught, while away from school.   The only disadvantage that I discovered from blogging, was that my published information was out there on the internet for anyone to read.  The public could view my blog, and criticize my ideas, if they felt the need to.  Not only could they criticize a blog, but they could bash blogs with a close minded attitude, even though the writing on a blog is your own ideas and everyone is entitled to write what they think.   

I personally would not change anything about the blog.  It has been a helpful tool for the whole semester and will probably come in handy in the future.  It has also helped me develop as writer by realizing my mistakes and improving them to become a more precise.  It arranged all my assignments in an orderly manner and made this class less stressful.   I will eventually engage in a blog, in the future, because it has assisted me so much so thus far in this class.  I enjoyed getting my ideas out on the internet more than writing in a word document.  It is a way to get my feelings out on paper freely without being stressed.  My own personal blog may be hard to keep up with though, because it is not required for a class.  I would definitely recommend this technique to other Instructors because it was so useful to me.

Due before class on Thursday – May 3^rd 

 *goes on my blog and add a comment telling her we have finished with our final

• Something previously discussed…
• Just one to pick from
• Very informal!!!
• Plenty of time
• No sources
• As long as it is coherent and makes sense
• Don’t stray from the topic
• Instructor Blackwell is our audience
• No curves
• No page limit
• Content, not length
• Graded very holistically
• Last chance to shine
• There may be another part, besides the essay

Some lingering questions:

• What will be the page requirement and will you consider what we have written for the time alloted?
• Will we be recieving our essay exam questions before we take the final?
• How much outside information do we need to research and remember in order to answer the question sufficiently?
• Do we have a few choices for the exam essay?
• Will we have just an essay exam or multiple choice and short answer??

Reading the sections from my book, I have learned the following:

I want to ask myself “what would my instructor want??”

-individual representations, analysis, application, etc.

Know what I am taking about:

-attend class, take notes, participate, read, be involved with class discussion, etc.

The three skills to essay exams (Randall Popken):

1. The ability to store, access, and translate appropriate knowledge into an organized essay.
2. The ability to analyze quickly the specific requirements of an exam question and formulate a response to those requirements. 
3. The ability to deal with time pressure, test anxiety, and other logistical constraints of the exam situation.

(Pg 714)

Outside essays v. Exam essays:

-         access to other sources, in an exam you’re on your own

-         you do not always know the material you will be analyzing

-         rapid on-the-spot writing

(Pg 715)

Essay Exam- narrow focused response

Paper assignments- a lot of way to answer the problem

Essay exams have a different tone and I will need to identify that tone with “organizational features”:

Outside Quotations- these are usually when a teacher wants you to “address” something specific. 

Organizational Cues- help me organize how I will be writing my paper and responding to the topic.

Key Terms- usually are embedded in a long question and this is where I should pick out the “noun phrases” like people, places, and events and also “directive verbs” like construct, identify, prove, trace, etc.

Some Key Terms to look out for-

Analyze-breaking into parts

Apply-connect a concept to another

Argue-take a position

Compare/Contrast-similarities or differences

Construct-create a model  

Critique-evaluate the argument and analyze both sides

Define-a meaning

Discuss-present, analyze, and support

Enumerate-list

Evaluate-judge and tell strengths and weaknesses

Explain-state reasons

Identify-describe and tell the significance

Illustrate-give examples

Prove-with evidence

Review-summarize

Summarize-give the general idea or main points

Trace-chronological order of events

(Pg 317-322)

• This is a great way for me to study for my essay exam now that I know what they usually consist of.

Essay exams do not allow me to prepare ahead of time for what I will be testing on.  They are usually timed and I can not always get what I want to say on paper in the time allotted.  I need to be informed ahead of time so I can study a particular set of information I will need to know to make an impressive grade.  Testing time is usually strenuous and we can not edit our essay later or look over and analize how to make our essay better if they are written in class.  Essay exams are not the best way to test because not all people are good writers and need short answer tests or scantron tests to do well in a class.  Though this is english class and I can expect to probably have an essay for my final, I would just prefer not to because I do better if I know what I will be testing on beforehand. 

What does foreign adoption offer besides the basic necessities?  According to Evelyn Robinson, “mainly children do not feel appreciated, nor secure, living with their natural or adoptive parents.”  They may have a home to live in, but something is missing.  Bonding with their new family can be difficult and never fully develop.  The childs’ relationship with the adoptive parents sometimes can never replace their biological mother or father.  They feel like an outcast, but still a part of their new family. 

Even though children feel awkward and out of place when first being adopted, institutions should be their last resort. Children eventually benefit more when having a steady home-life. “Statistics from countries like Russia are plentiful, which demonstrate that children who grew up in institutions had increased rates of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and criminal activity.” (Spivack) Obviously, providing a well balanced atmosphere can give the child guidance and a place of nurture.  Being in a family setting shows the child how to be productive in their relationships.  Their adoptive family is their example of what a “normal” family should act and be like.  Their family teaches and guides them with lessons only a family can provide.     

1.Who is your specific audience?

My audience will be towards any person interested in adopting.  

2.Why did you choose them?

My paper will be geared towards anyone interested in adoption because prospective parents will want to know everything possible about adoption before making their final decision.  Most people, like myself, who are considering to adopt are curious to know why and why not adoption is a good idea.  This will aide them in the process of whether or not to adopt a child.   

3.How will your audience affect the argument you intend to present?

Because by pinpointing this certain audience, I can go into detail with the reasons on the pro and con sides.  I would not want to direct my paper towards an adoptive agency because they already know a lot about this controversial issue.  Also, I would not want to use children as my audience because they should not yet be concerned with this topic.

4.Which fallacies will you need to focus on keeping from your argument? Why are these (individually) important to consider in  your argument?

• Because there are so many children up for adoption, everyone should adopt.

• I will need to give all possible options, not just focus on what I think is the right answer.

• Just because Angelina Jolie and Madonna have adopted and think adoption is alright, doesn’t make it right for everyone. 

• Adoption is bad because segregation is bad.  

• Children in Japan need to be adopted faster than kids other places.  

Overreliance on authority

• Government agencies are not looking over adoptive agencies, but just because they say they are does not mean it is making a difference.

• These poor children do not have homes

• overview of the argument
  • what issue are you examining and why is this issue important to you?

Do all children deserve to live in a healthy home? Why are so many children in foster homes?  International adoption is what I will be focusing on.  Children all around the world are suffering and dying everyday because they do not have a caregiver to look after them.  The children today are the future tomorrow.  Many celebrities and common people adopt all the time.  I would like to adopt when I get older and want to know more about foreign adoption.  Why aren’t more people adopting from the U.S.A. instead of other countries?  I believe that every child should be given the chance to be in a family that cares about them.  

•  
  • How recent is this argument? How easily can you find the materials needed for the research?

Adopting children is becoming more and more common nowawdays.  Sources and articles will be easy to obtain because this issue is controversial in so many ways.   

• summary of the pro side of the argument
  • For those on the pro side, what arguments do they use (Why should you be “for” this)?

All families are capable of adopting and raising a successful child.  Just like Donna Spalding proved to raise eight successful children.  If people are willing to give an adopted child a loving home, then all children could have the opportunity.   

• summary of the con side of the argument
  • Why should you be “against” this argument? What does the research say?

Child trafficking is common when adopting children.  Now that the Hague treaty will be put in place, this will be minimized.  I can understand that agencies do not want children in the wrong hands.  Now they are screening potential caregivers.   

•  
  • Are you pro or con? Why?

       I am pro because of reasons above. 

• What you have learned in your research thus far?

I have learned that foreign adoption will only be available in certain countries in the future.  Also, many families have been successful when adopting children of other races.  Agencies are making it harder for parents to adopt because of the lengthy background checks.   

• Provide a brief summation of the research you have completed.
  • Have you found statistics?

A few, agencies are improving their numbers of adopted kids in the past 10 years. 

•  
  • Have you found support for your side of the argument?

Somewhat, in the case of 6 adopted children growing up in a well rounded home.   

•  
  • Have you found counterarguments you can use?

                    No.

• What you still need to find in your research?

Credible counterarguments that I can rebut.

• What statistics do you still need to find?

        % of children being adopted in each country, % of children who still need to be adopted, % of children who have been in need of a home for more than 5 years

• What testimonies would be helpful?

Children and their adoptive parents and how they have bettered their lives.  Children who have had bad experiences with the wrong adoptive parents. 

• Do you need to interview somebody to get an expert’s testimony?

I could possibly contact an adoptive agency or a new adoptive parent. 

• What is your timeline?
  • In this section, I want to have a detailed list of upcoming major deadlines for your other classes and I want to see how you plan to work your paper around these deadlines. I specifically want to see when you will have your research completed, rough draft completed, when you plan to revise, and when you plan to proofread your essay.

I work on the weekends, so I go home basically every weekend.               

Major paper due in Women Studies on Mar.29            

I should have all my reasearch done by Mar. 31             

Big History test on Apr. 2             

Big Computer test on Apr. 2             

Rough Draft done by Apr. 6              

My Boyfriend’s surprise party on Apr.7              

Professional Development Plan due on Apr.11             

Revisions done by Apr.13            

Write Site visit by Apr.16            

Finishing touches on Apr.17             

Bribe friend/mom/boyfriend with cookies to proofread essay on Apr.18

engbibliography.doc

1.Summary:

• Static Encephalopathy is where a child’s brain is not working normally and it gets in the way of their life.
• This diagnosis can improve but may stay with the child for the rest of his or her life.
• How mentally impaired someone is depends on how much damage there is to their brain.
• Static Encephalopathy is different on everyone it affects.
• If the part of the brain that controls muscle is affected, everyday things like walking will be altered.
• If the speech part of the brain is harmed, then the way the child talks will be hard to understand.
• The child may be called mentally retarded if the learning part of the brain is damaged.
• When many parts of the brain are affected, many problems occur.
• Seizures are a possible side effect.
• Damage hearing or seeing could cause blindness or deafness.
• Static Encephalopathy and Cerebral Palsy are alike but they differ in that Cerebral Palsy is a type of Static Encephalopathy.
• If there is no problem with muscle movements then you cannot be diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
• Delayed movements are not cerebral Palsy, they must be abnormal.
• Doctors put together information from a child’s medical history and living conditions to diagnose Static Encephalopathy.
• Depending on what the doctor discovers determines what test he will give to the child.
• EEG is a device that measures electrical activity in the brain.
• A CT and MRI are used to look at the brain.
• Doctors use blood and urine tests to check for possible chemicals that may affect the brain.
• Genetic testing is used when the symptoms obviously run in the family.
• Hearing and vision tests are used to prevent worse damage.
• Slow development can be discovered and helped muscle and nerve tests.
• Serious head injuries and related traumas are common causes.
• Most commonly doctors still cant tell if someone has static encephalopathy.
• Medicines can often control Static Encephalopathy.
• Teachers can help children learn to overcome this.
• Special equipment and surgery are other alternatives.
• Children with this still need regular medical care, dental care, and nutritional care.
• Counseling aids both the children and their families involved with this.
• Having a child with this does not necessarily mean they are fully handicapped, sometimes they just have minor disabilities.
• Concerning handicaps, many live each day as a productive individual.
• There are many different types of cases with different types of people.

2.Yes, this could be used in the Ashley X story.  There is a lot of very useful information that could aid someone who knows very little about this subject.  For example, who may have static encephalopathy and what their symptoms might be.  Also, there are some alternatives if they are diagnoised and some treatments. 

I picked my controversial topic because I am majoring in elementary education.  Foreign adoption concerns many lives of children everywhere in the world.  I am interested in children and that their needs be met.  I want to focus on adoption of children from all countries, but I do not know if this will make my topic too broad.  I can also include a comparison of how many and how often children are being adopted from other countries.  I will also explore how well foreign adoption is working for other countries. 

I will also look at the flip side to see what the cons of adopting are, but support those with arguments.  Establishing all the pros and cons of people adopting foreign children can be one of my main body paragraphs.  I will also want to explore how many gay and lesbian couples are adopting foreign children and how they have turned out.  I will want to follow up on some of the lives of children who have been adopted and how their lives turned out.  For the better or for worse. 

Starting out, i will give history and factual evidence of how foreign adoption has developed over the years.  I will also consider what other celebrities, normal people, and adoption agencies are saying about my issue.  Then I can support my side with what I have found and create a well developed foundation.  This time though, I am not going to stir away from my topic.  I will need to be more focused in on what I am trying to prove. 

Do you think this will be narrowed down enough to create a 8-10 page paper? or is it too narrow?