Teacher Comments

Girls - Thanks for the insightful and honest responses. You pose so many well considered points it is difficult to respond. It was a difficult task for many reasons. The aim of the task was to develop independent reading strategies and discuss topical ideas related to the text. I tried to give you generic questions (the reading strategies task sheet) which you could apply to each text, but it is difficult to be specific when each book is different. I think one of the main problems with your blog, was group cohesion. You guys didn't seem to communicate with each other much, your group seemed fragmented and no one took the initiative of organising people into roles or responsibilities or even commending people on their thoughts or questions. I can appreciate that this can be socially awkward when you are not working with people you would normally hang out with, but without organisation people will always take the easist option.


I thought jamie's comments about learning were particularly insightful. Perhaps teacher centred tasks do help you learn more or more correctly prepare you for the final destination which is TEE exams. I guess we as teachers do 'force ideas down the throats' of students in order to make them better prepared for TEE etc. In response to Jodi and Tiffany, unfortunately this does mean giving you lots of Essays. Teachers have a responsibilty to follow the curriculum. However as Jamie put it, student centered learning does allow you to learn more about yourself. Personally I'm more suited to this style or environment for learning, I like to set my own boundaries and explore my own ideas. The problem with giving students this task, is that because parameters are not clearly set and only rough outlines given, students can either struggle with the freedom (lack of direction) or look for easy options out.

In regards to your final comments about relating to oneself, I think you need to understand that the discussion forum is a lot more personal and less structured than your standard english style essay. There were no wrong answers. I personally can relate to the whole private school snobbery issue and reading the book brings back memories of growing up in Perth and makes me think about relationships etc from an outsiders perspective. I also relate to issues of cultural heritage and identity. It is from my experiences and knowledge that I am able to draw bigger meanings, which are unique and yet shared at the same time.