Taking Risks
Denise Hutchins
Summer 2019
The major benefits I have received from the CPLC experience thus far have centered around having more tools in my toolkit that I can utilize to give my students a better classroom and project experience resulting in their understanding of how to apply what they know in the workforce.
I have thought mostly about both my Organizational Communications writing connection course which is not project based and my Event Marketing class which is totally project based. I have sought ideas, explored what might work for my students and me, and asked for feedback based on my thinking.
Organizational Communications
One of the internal struggles I have with this course is that fact that it is a writing connection course coupled with public speaking. Writing and public speaking are both critical skills for students to acquire and my struggle is that I want to give each area focus.
The required course is well received, and students seem pleased with the practical skills they gain; however, I believe that they need more writing opportunities and feedback that is reviewed, digested, reflected, and applied. An important fact is that at least twenty-five students are enrolled in this course from different majors so individual attention is not the same as having a 10-person writing class.
Based on what I heard discussing my challenges with the CPLC members and replies from my posts, I am going to try something new this fall. I am going to setup 1:1 sessions in weeks 5 and 6 with my 50+ students. The idea is for them to revise their first writing assignment, which is a cover letter for their dream job. Based on my feedback and noted track changes in their cover letter, I want them to rework the letter and bring it to our scheduled meeting. We will discuss the first and second versions. Having a face-to-face discussion, I think I can ensure that they understand the feedback, know what they do well and what they can improve upon. I think I can have more impact and maybe make more of a difference with a conversation than I can with my edits and commentary inside of Moodle.
Also, I want them to come with their questions and be prepared to talk about their success in this class to date – what does s/he need to continue doing and what does s/he need to change in order to be successful. I know that this is a large undertaking but I’m hopeful that my students will enjoy the personal touch and better understand what they can do to improve. I’m also hopeful that I will feel better about knowing my feedback is being reviewed, acted upon and that my students will be better writers for it.
Another piece I am going to work into my course is discussion about personal learning networks and hands-on work to begin a personal learning network. I think this would be a nice addition when I talk about careers and interviewing.
Lastly, I’m going to find ways to add more space and time for students to practice purposeful communication as a habit of mi