Mime-Version: |
1.0 (Apple Message framework v753.1) |
Content-Type: |
text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed |
Date: |
Sun, 17 May 2009 10:44:16 -0500 |
Reply-To: |
|
Subject: |
|
From: |
|
In-Reply-To: |
|
Content-Transfer-Encoding: |
7bit |
Sender: |
|
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
On May 16, 2009, at 9:20 PM, Craig Hancock wrote:
> You don't help students by giving them
> a false description of language because you believe they aren't
> capable
> of the truth.
Maybe we don't actually disagree. If a teacher actually told her
students that good writers never start sentences with the word
"because" or an essay that doesn't have a thesis at the end of the
first paragraph is wrong and an example of bad writing, then I am
with you. That is false information.
But a teacher who tells her students that they can only write in
pencil, or that they must show their work, or that their essay must
have 5 paragraphs is not giving them false information. Should a
teacher clarify that the rule about "because" is only for this class
and that when they are older they may break this rule? Yes. I think
that probably does happen. I think it is too much for some students
to process, and what they retain is just the rule itself.
> "Vary sentence starts" would be another example of bad advice.
I am surprise that you believe this. I notice you vary your sentence
starts. I do too. I would only break that rule to prove a point. I
hope I have proved it. I am not sure if I have. I hope you will let
me know.
To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at:
http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html
and select "Join or leave the list"
Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/
|
|
|