Academic Literacy: Beyond the Grade

"Academic Literacy" handout

Main Points:

• Although students in college appear to be working harder than ever, they have digressed in the realm of critical thinking and curiosity.
• The ability to analyze text thoughtfully assists the student to improve their own writing.
• Competence in critical/analytical thinking is achieved through hard work and through the instruction of teachers.

Agree

I agree with many ideas in the excerpt. Primarily, I, too, have noticed that students have become less focused on the text and more focused on the grade - thus, their ability to think critically, analyze and appreciate literature is significantly decreased. SparkNotes is a prime example of how the experience of reading, which in my opinion allows one to better think critically, is eliminated. To a lesser extent I also agree with the statement that if students can think critically, then they can write coherent and well-structured essays. Having experience with analyzing literature will no doubt help a student become more familiar with the structure of critical essays, but sometimes essays are simply difficult to compose. Thinking an idea and then putting that idea to words are two separate skills. 

Our ability to analyze and think critically about a text is parallel to our capability to understand ourselves and our values - the way we "tick." Our decline in this ability to analyze and our obsession with results instead of curiosity is unfortunate and truly a loss. As a reader, I often find myself immersed into the lives of the characters I read about. If I care about the characters, or even the plot, all homework assignments and essays are made that much easier. When I make a connection with a character, be they from Hogwarts, Manderley or even Salem, I learn about the way my mind works. When I truly think about a piece of literature, I am allowed to live, for a moment, free from the judgement of others - just my curiosity, imagination and me. 

The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog

The wanderer is a man with a hidden expression. With his back turned to us, literally and metaphorically, the wanderer leaves his motivations and thoughts open for interpretation — allowing us to connect with him through the use of our imagination. Should my assumptions be correct, I find it relatively easy to connect with the wanderer, for he and I share concerns, aspirations and a milestone in life. 

It is ironic that the wanderer is labeled as a wanderer, since his clothing and stance imply determination, confidence and purpose. Perhaps his thoughts define his "wanderer" qualities. What next? Now that he has climbed the summit, what else is there to accomplish, and how will he choose? Similarly, I have worked with purpose for 12 years to reach my educational climax. However, now, the numerous options before me mixed with my indecision have obscured my sense of "destination" much like the fog and mist in the painting. I have blazed my trail up to the top of the rocks, and now I must decide a path down into the mist. The future lies before me. I am in control, and that is what I find difficult — choosing. 

The cliffs in the background are not clear, but they are an aspiration, an ideal. Like the wanderer, I must maintain confidence without losing rationality. The fog and the milestone I have reached in my life may temporarily change my perspective or jeopardize the quality of my judgement, but I will strive for the cliffs and not lose sight. The wanderer is proud, pleased, yet cautious. 

First Post

Let the blogging commence! Go Burlingame B!