The activity were we read each other’s daybooks was very effective pedagogically because we read and responded to each other’s work. Later on in the semester, if I didn’t think people were going to read it (just a journal) I became a little lazy.
Sometimes in the semester, I did not like writing ‘on the spot’ so I sat and thought instead. And I used to be so judgmental/impatient of students who did not get down words on the page, they couldn’t “just write”--- Now I can really sympathize with them and I think you can go overboard with daybooks. We went a little overboard in the Summer Institute training on May 5th, but what did I expect? I had already referred to a book Lil and Sally (and others?) had written on daybooks when I was studying writer’s block, so I knew the compulsive okay now “just write” was going to occur in the training. Now having been that “slow writer” I realize that I don’t have to “just write” automatically. I can take my time and think first. Really, my capacity to “just write” is slowed down when I take medicine (for focus). The medicine which gives some people a rush actually slows me down. I need to slow down as a writer and process more carefully (but get started on big projects sooner than later, because I am a slow writer due to the thought and effort I like to put into it.
This Writer’s Block project I did this semester for a Problems of Practice Inquiry project was very useful for me and also Elizabeth mentioned that she learned a lot from it too. I have had several compliments on the presentation, and I would consider taking it to a conference or writing formally on it if Chris would agree (because she was my teammate). Writer’s block has been a problem for me, and I would like to investigate more into Axel Lutes conceptual writer’s block, perhaps primary research.
Anyways, my old philosophy of “just write” has changed as I now simplified who those who can “just write” on command. I believe in writing when you are ready to write (Murray), but not procrastinating. There is a fine line!
Also, I find this really tedious going back and typing my notes from my daybook, so I will allow Moodle posts and daybook journals to be posted on the e-portfolio, with no specified amount of one or the other. If I had my choice here, Moodle posts would predominate, because they are easier to copy and paste. Anyway, my mind is wandering as I write a reflection on this teaching practice here…so adios amigo.