Every day we encounter hundreds of
different types of genres. When we come
across or even use these different genres, we do not normally think about the
type of the genre. Often we only
consider the immediate trajectory that our employed genres will take. We do not often realize the immense impact
that our writing (no matter the type of genre) possesses once it is out of our
hands. A text message may only have one
intended recipient. However, once that
text message has left the author’s phone, it has the possibility of being
forwarded to others, discussed later in conversations, posted on the internet,
etc. Unit One, English 101, teaches us to consider
all these factors, and helps us to more readily be able to recognize different
types of genres.
Due to the great impact that a genre
that we produce can have, it is important to review our work or have another
review it before putting it in others’ hands.
Peer reviews are a great way to get opinions about your work, especially
if it has an intended professional trajectory.
That is, if it is a project for school or anything linked to a career or
job.
Peer reviews can be extremely helpful,
but many people are not educated in how to conduct a proper peer review. Many only give too general or downright mean
(not constructive criticism) comments, or they make overly gracious comments
due to fear of offending the author.
None of these help the author to improve their writing skills. In order to effectively critique another’s
work, one must learn to write constructive comments. One must have the following things in mind
before approaching critiquing another’s work: thought through expectations of
peer review (have the mindset of critiquing other’s work in a way that you
would want your own work critiqued), have an “open mind to the possibility that
I will learn just as much (if not more) from giving my peers feedback on their
work as I will from receiving theirs on mine,” and “read like a writer, not
like a judge” (approach another’s work by trying to see it from their
perspective). (quotes from “Grassroots”)
I have also learned in this Unit about
how each genre has a typical layout/format and typical criteria. There are also “rules” that our society has
added to different kinds of genres. A
great example of this is the wedding toast that we discussed in class. The wedding toast has a certain time during
the reception that it occurs, it is usually done by a specific group of people
in attendance, it is usually spoken –but has thoughts written on notecards to
help with the giving of the speech, as well as many other characteristics like
these. Even though there is a standard
make-up to each genre and a specific method that is used to send the message
(i.e.: phone, computer, speaker, paper, etc.) there can always be exceptions. Exceptions must have logical and justifiable
reasons in why they are straying from the typical method or format.
So far, I understand what we are
discussing. I sometimes get confused
with how to technologically work with the blog, but I usually figure it
out. I do not have any current questions
about what we are learning or projects we are working on. I think I have a good understanding of what
we have had to work on so far. I think I
did well with the rubric, so I hope I can create an article that equals the ability
level of my rubric. There is nothing
else that I would like to discuss at this time.
Sources used for information:
Grassroots book and class notes, slides, and blog
No comments:
Post a Comment