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Walking Stick Blogger

A Learning Space for Literacy and English Language Learners

Deciding to Go Back to School

This post is inspired by Wendell Dryden’s musings about his decision to return to school. I guess I have also been inspired to post these thoughts thanks to Henry Giroux’s chapter Literacy, Writing and Voice from his book, Teachers as Intellectuals. It is also in part due to the recent article written by Stephen Downes…

EduPunk Under the Magnifying Glass

I have been reluctant to continue to talk about the term “edublogging” largely because of the possible associations some might make with edupunk. This is a big scary monster in the closet I need to confront, and address a few issues. For one thing, I am not a supporter of the edupunk movement. I want…

Generating Inspiration in Adult Literacy Learners

I have been working with a few students in the classroom the past few weeks on their essays. I have combined the regular classroom setup with tables and chairs with a row of computers. I had also been encouraging learners to bring in their netbook, Iphones and laptops to take advantage of the wireless connection….

The Challenges of Personal Blogging

I am a personal blogger, a reflective writer interested in journaling, cultivating my personal voice, as well as developing my official academic voice. The first challenge of personal blogging has to do with shoring up enough confidence while expressing myself-in-the-moment. Buber (2005) refers to the act of pausing long enough to document in mid-stream one’s thoughts…

Fundamental Shift: Assessment for Learning

I think the bigger picture involves a fundamental shift from treating students as objects to be measured or evaluated or changed or filled or improved or assimiliated, to treating students as legitimate co-participants. I have chosen blogging for advocacy to address the needs of my adult literacy learners, most of whom of First Nations descent,…