Go cite yourself! You'll be glad you did!

No one wants to be accused of plagiarism, something that can ruin careers and educational pursuits. Most of us know that quoting or paraphrasing the work of others requires proper documentation (citation). But what many do not realize is that using work you have done previously is also a form of plagiarism and must be cited.
It can be quite tempting to reuse an old assignment or journal post to complete an assignment, especially if it needs to be done quickly. But with most schools now automatically using plagiarism checking software like SafeAssign or Turnitin, chances are good that your assignment will be flagged. How can you prevent the dreaded matching score? Simple- Cite Yourself. Both APA and MLA provide ways to do just that. Below is a link to the Walden University Writing Center's handout on self citation. It's one of the best I've found.
Walden University Writing Center- Self Citation

Is Rogerian Argument the answer the world is looking for?

When we think of argument and persuasion, we generally gravitate to the classical win-lose conclusion. There has to be a winner and a loser. However, years ago, psychologist Carl R. Rogers advocated argument based on compromise aimed at consensus. As I was grading essays today from my "Science and Religion" class at the University of Toledo, the theme that kept surfacing is "Why can't we all just get along and accept and appreciate our differences?" Maybe our goal should not be to persuade anyone to "join the other side" but simply to open their minds to new possibilities and perspectives. For example, one American can hate Trump and present countless valid reasons for doing so; another may adore Trump and present equally strong arguments. Yet the two are still Americans and do not have to be enemies because of their different views. Counterargument and concession are two of the most neglected ideals in societal problem solving today. Simply understanding the "other side" can be enlightening and productive in getting to real solutions to any problem. Name calling and pointing fingers are not the answer! Keep that in mind the next time you are called upon to argue.

What do I think about group work?

First of all, you really need great teammates. They must be consistent and easy to work with. Some common ground is necessary to blend well. Sometimes, it can even turn into a mutual admiration society towards the end of a project.

Most students have hectic and unpredictable schedules, so meeting is a tall order. I can only imagine what it would be like without email and texting! As a student, I was involved in quite a few group projects in online courses, and one in particular was the very best experience. Jamie was the supreme planner; Jonee was the consummate organizer; and Mark (me) was the encourager (for lack of a better word). We persevered, and put together what I think was a top-shelf product. Could we have done better? Could I have contributed more? Does the proverbial bear do his business in the woods? You know the answers!

In closing, it is possible to thoroughly enjoy a group project; the important part is to put together a solid team, determine the strengths of each, and use them as efficiently as possible. If there are any "weak links", the others must be willing to pick up the slack. So... collaborate and learn!

What I think of blogging for teaching and learning purposes

I used Blackboard’s Blog Tool in my online composition classes for a few semesters; it is a wonderful avenue for students to do some low stakes writing. I make their blogs private, preferring to only give myself access to their writing; this affords an excellent opportunity for one-on-one time with my web-based classes. I give semi-weekly prompts, ranging from something associated to what we’re working on to “anything goes”. Students develop a distinct voice, and benefit from comments that I provide. They are unencumbered with the specters of being graded and judged by their classmates, and this allows them to unleash creativity many of them were not aware they possessed. There is no length requirement (other than in one prompt I limit them to two words- “This class ____ ____.” I also do the same type thing with my campus classes, but so far have not forced them to use the Blog tool, preferring to allow them to write longhand in a notebook or on a PC in Word format. After seeing how advantageous the blogging experience can be, I plan to incorporate it more fully in all my classes.

Effective Introductions

The introduction to any piece of writing is paramount in gaining the reader's attention and curiosity. While different types of essays have different requirements, the basic guidelines are:

A good introduction is essentially a short summary of what you want your essay to accomplish. It is:

• Quick: The reader will decide to read on, or not, in a matter of seconds.  (There are two exceptions to this principle--a long anecdote that sets up the rest of the essay, or, a complex topic that requires a more complex introduction.)
• Specific: There are concrete details, precise quotes, or revealing facts.  It does not ramble about the state of the world in general.
• Appropriate: It fits the body of the essay
• Simple: There's no dead language in the sentences
• Compelling: It causes some  disequilibrium for the reader--a surprise, one thing and its opposite.  It creates a need to read on.

Any thoughts?

Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies are errors in reason where the premises do not support the conclusion. Here is a really nice presentation that will simplify the topic. Let me know what you think.

The most successful people are usually the most persuasive people. Persuasion is what argument is all about.

Looking for help with writing?

Do you ever find yourself intimidated by something you have to write? An essay? A letter? An important email? A presentation? You're not alone. This is one of the most common issues I hear from students, family, friends, and acquaintances.
I can help you. Contact me any time and I'll be glad to give you tips and pointers and look over your work.