So, I’ve been reading a few things about blogging. And I’ve been reading a few things about writing. And I’ve been reading a few things about both blogging and writing, and I’m starting to think I’m missing something. Or need clarification, at the very least.
I’m going to keep this philosophical, much like my assessment post a while back.
First, a question:
If (text-based)1 blogging is a kind of writing, then aren’t all bloggers writers?
And now, the statements:
- I (foolishly, perhaps) believe that all my students can become good writers2 of some kind.
- I therefore believe that all my students should try their hand at blogging, just as I believe all my students should try writing poetry, maybe a short story, a personal narrative, an e-mail, and oodles of other writing types.
- I do not believe a great writing teacher needs to be a great writer; he / she simply needs to “know the ropes” and be great teacher, period.
- I therefore believe a great blogging teacher does not need to be a “master blogger”, but that he / she just needs to know how it works, and be a great teacher, period.
And finally, more questions:
- Those of you out there who use blogs with your students, how do you use them?
- Do you assess them? If so, how?
- And if you don’t use blogs with your students, why not?
The background
I am changing (quite drastically) the way I use blogs with my students for the remainder of this school year, and next. And so, I’m looking for ideas and anecdotal feedback… errr.. feed-forward… from those who have walked this path before me. 🙂
1Of course, the visual-types of blogs aren’t really writing, but a different kind of communication
2I define the term “good writer” as one who creates “good writing.” And for the definition of “good writing,” I turn to one of my most influential mentors in both teaching and writing, Carl Leggo, who once stated, “Good writing gets the job done. It works.” I should also note that I have different definitions of “great writing” and other comparative terms.
Photo credits: You can almost see the grass grow by
aussiegall; How to Grow a Blog by
teachandlearn (licensed under CC 2.0 Generic)
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