July 27

Monday
July 27, 2009

1. Writing into the Day: Six Word Stories
The day began with Donna’s presentation about writing stories with only six words.

Example used was E. Hemingway’s six word story. He said it was his best work.
For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

Donna explained she likes her students to be precise, to help them she gives them an article to read. She has her students write a paper about the article using only 175 words. She wants them to learn to be exact.

Class was shown six word stories from Wired Magazine to help generate ideas. Class wrote their six word stories. Donna will place them on the CAWP Blog. Remember to email your six word story to Donna.

A few that were shared: Wendy—Technology became useful and in reach.
Karen—Writing is really like a bikini.
Jessica—Wrote until the cows came home.

Donna shared the book: Not Quite What I Was Planning, from the editors of the storytelling magazine SMITH. Review for the book: Read. Enjoy. Pass it on. Repeat.
2. Writing Apprehension Post-test
Students went to the online survey site Survey Monkey. CAWPers took the post-test and compared their pre-test answers. Donna will compare the results to see how the group shifted.
3. Presentation about Presenting Professional Presentation at a Professional Conference
Presentation by Paige and Alex—Experience and Advice to Group—Dos and Don’ts
Paige began the presentation with a role play of the “wrong way” to introduce oneself: bragging, expanding on experiences, honors, awards, etc. Advice: Always begin with introduction—be able to establish your credentials and then move on (don’t repeat or run it into the ground!). Know your audience: 1. Jerks (move on; don’t dwell on them or their comments) 2. Non responders (try to engage them; if you can’t--same advice—move on; don’t dwell on them)
Showed Video from You Tube: Do you know who I am?
Paige encouraged the group to begin thinking about writing their Bios to have on hand for their presentations. She reminded group they were now National Writing Fellows. Each person’s name would have NWP after it. Alex added to have several resumes done to serve different menus.
They shared other information: PowerPoint should not contain more than 20% of your presentation. Only use an outline of your presentation (never read from the screen), have your notes on your computer screen so audience will not see them. Donna gave advice: review your presentation after you have completed them and write down your concerns so you can improve your presentations. Have humor, connect with the audience.
Groups were formed to make a T-chart about the likes and dislikes about presentations. People were picked before activity and planted in each group to help the Paige and Alex make a point about presenters not treating the audience as professionals. Alex shared a comical story about a presenter not treating her audience in a professional manner. Paige role played the unprofessional presenter to the point that small arguments began in one group. Good job, Paige!
Group shared T-charts.
Additional Advice: Setting the Tone of your Presentation:
v Teacher-monitor/participate when appropriate
v First Impressions (the first two minutes the audience has analyzed you! Paige’s advice: fake it until you make it—so know your audience—have energy in your presentations—don’t go overboard, but don’t pull back
v Apologies—Don’t Apology!
v Lecture vs. Presenting
v Presentation Logistics: time, materials, communication, have a back-up plan, grammar (proofread your stuff)
v Goals/Purpose
v Invitation: leave time for sharing
Alex and Paige Responses:
v Tech problems (there will be some—be prepared)
v Have a hard copy
v Know your own material: to help with tech problems: post your presentation to the web, email your presentation to yourself for another back-up
v “Pepper” Presentation (Alex dashed pepper (research) into his bowl (presentation) by just added a little spice, Paige overdid her pepper (research) by pouring all the pepper (research) into her bowl (presentation)
v Reflection—( positive and negative—be honest with yourself)
Class assignment: make a list of positive and negative reflection from individual presentations.
4. Working Lunch: Time to work on consolidating sections of class position papers
5. Share Implementation Plan
Groups met and shared their individual implementation plan. Groups rejoined and one person per group shared ideas/overview of implementation plans.
Assignment: Hand in hard copy to Ruie on Tuesday of individual implementation plans and bring calendar to class.
Megan shared her “Second Life” account.