Thursday 20 August 2009
Interesting...
I also am interested in why people (in particular teachers) don’t like ‘committing their thoughts to permanent form’. I do understand what you are all saying about your spoken thoughts being forgotten about quickly, but for me it is completely different. Once I have written something, I don’t really think about it that much, but if I were to put my opinion across in the classroom – I could go over and over it in my mind for days after, even though chances are that people may not even have been listening to me in the first place. It is strange how writing on this blog has the opposite effect on me...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I have no idea why that might be in your case. But for me, I prefer to avoid confrontation ... and, although I have learned to have a thick skin, I prefer writing my thoughts, having the time to think, than conversations (even if mostly enjoyable).
I should have added ... that I like writing if someone's reading it. When I did my MEd a lot of the materials consisted of: imput, reflective tasks, writing something. I found this incredibly boring and a waste of time... but writing with/for others has always interested me. I think I'd find it very hard to do the portfolio tasks you are being asked to do... I'd find it difficult to record my thoughts in this way (luckily everyone isn't like me!)
I agree with everything you said really. I too avoid confrontation, and also fear looking stupid I think. Like I say, I have no confidence in what I have to say. Also, I am finding the portfolio task difficult for the reasons you mentioned. If no one is going to read it - then what is the point!?!?
I think it is a real problem ... we all need an audience, collaborators, friends, mentors etc ... I can't write for myself and I think that although there's some usefulness I couldn't do it very well. Thoughts being out there in public is much more stimulating that keeping everything private (nobody will comment, suggest, criticise etc.)
For the reasons you have mentioned, I actually prefer writing my thoughts down over having a discussion on "difficult" topics. As Alex said, I have time to think and carefully formulate my points. Once I have said something, it is out and is difficult to amend, especially if dealing with people who want to "catch you out", as some students would be most happy to do.
Wrirting gives me more time to thin kbefore I reply and to remain calm and, to a certain extent, distanced and objective to the matter discussed...
Writing without aim, though, I also agree, appears quite a boring exercise.
Claire,I feel quite the opposite to you. Once it's written down, it's there for everyone to see time and time again. That's when I go over and over it in my mind much more than when I've said something (though I do go over and over things that I've said as well!).
It's good that we're all different, don't you think?
Post a Comment