Regarding Posts and Mr. Miyagi

I really should have said this sooner, but it never occurred to me that people would do it this way. I know many teachers aren't in the habit of "explaining themselves" because they "shouldn't have to explain" themselves, but I like to be logical. Also, I personally don't like being ordered around or told to do things without knowing why I'm doing them. You won't always get a why from me, but most of the time you'll get something.

I have come to find out that some of you are reading diligently away but not posting. You are instead keeping journals and plan on posting closer to the first day of classes. NOW this is smashing for certain things, but bad for others, let me explain.

Why this is bad for H:
Uhm I don't know if you've realized, but there are only so many hours in a day. I know, it boggles the mind, considering that I know some of you have heard I'm a blood-drinking, soul-crushing, student-tormenting vampire, I'm sure you expected me to be able to read all your posts in one sitting. Alas, it is not to be. For example, one lovely student posted 18 blog entries in one day. This, I later found out, is because Cox is stupid and so is her computer.

Now one person doing it, not so big a deal, 12 people doing it is a problem. Having to read that many and provide god feed back and give suggestions in a timely manner  is almost impossible. Due to the mechanics of website navigation, it is much faster to read all of one person's posts then clicking on 1 of each of the 12 and providing feedback like that.

Now on to something a little more important, why is this a problem for you?

Well, if you posts 18 posts in one day along with 11 other people and you're at the bottom of my update list, I may not get to read ANY of your posts until about a week later--and it's about 2 weeks before we go back kids.  Without the time to give you feed back and let you correct mistakes--you take the grade you take.

People who already have their grade for the first 22 assignments have a leg up on you. They can go back and fix things before the due date and thus receive a higher grade. These students will also be better prepared for the writing assignments of the course because they know my expectations.  If you wait until the night before the due date, you're taking the grade you are designated. No correction time because at that point we will be doing other things that will require not only my full attention but also your full attention.

In short, what can you do?

If you're keeping a journal, I highly recommend that before the end of today, type up your first 5 posts. This way you can get an idea if what you are writing on and focusing on is the correct thing.

I'm trying to cover your back as best I can, which I know is annoying as summer is coming to an end, but all good things must right?

Remember, anything you really know how to do well is because you did it repeatedly. Even if you didn't like it or weren't very good to start off with. Let's go to the clip :)

Daniel-san does it on his own a lot then shows Miyagi, Miyagi corrects a bit, and magically, we have functional karate. How can I up your Lit fu without you showin' me your moves?

Keep Calm, Carry on, and Come Back Tomorrow.
KHdz