Journal+Nine

Meagan Blanchette Zenion The weeks of April 2nd to the 14th The discoveries of a writing intern: Research Hunt The Wrt. 104 curriculum is based off of six papers. Each paper allows some level of artistic freedom. Ms. Zenion often inspires her students by stating that, “Writing is an art, and as long as you know the rules they can be broken.” In Wrt. 104 the students write various pieces that are formatted differently. Many of the pieces allow room for creativity. The research paper follows MLA format with in text citations and a proper works cited page. The students have to gather six pieces of research from various verified sources. Their paper must state both side of the topic, and contain pictures. Though the research paper is length, the students are provided in class computer time to find information to help them present their issue. The week of April 2nd class met twice. We covered in text citations and what is considered plagiarism. As a class we read aloud from the Norton Field Guide. The students read about “summarizing,” “paraphrasing” and the proper way to cite information. While individuals were reading one student would not listen and insisted on talking. I called on her to read the next paragraph as she scrambled to find our place she stated, ” I didn’t even know anyone was reading.” I was shocked. The class broke out of the circle and went back to their normal place in the classroom. The sloppy rows held twenty-seven students. Ms. Zenion then talked about the next paper, and that the students should start coming up with ideas now. The students became nervous, like always. One girl shouted, “Is it okay if I interview a stripper?” At least she is thinking outside the box! The following week class met three times, however I only attended two. I was on a college tour on that Monday. Ms. Zenion booked the computer lab Wednesday and Friday. The students should be constructing their papers. Ms. Zenion had a conference day on Wednesday. I walked around and clarified any unanswered questions on citations and “Is this source okay?” Before class on Friday I created a survey. The survey asked the students to state their topics with their name. I posted the link on the class Wikispace so all of the students had access. The students have been working independently. I think I have learned from this internship that it is not the amount of instruction you do it is how well you do the instruction. I am lucky enough to have an understanding mentor who is open to my requests and encourages me to succeed.