hey class,
please comment about how you feel about the class so far. this can include anything from your thoughts about the readings, to the pace of the class, the workload, suggestions for future class improvements, etc. thanks!
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hey everyone!
ReplyDeleteI personally am very satisfied with how this class is going right now. The workload is just right, and the readings are not too much, and the blog seems to be working well. The weekly blog assignment is definitely fair, and seems to be working in getting us to think about the topics that we are reading about before we come to class. I think one thing we should be sure to do next year however, is to create that reader! :] Also, next year it might be cool to more clearly define field trips or speakers. I think if we could prearrange certain speakers (for example, people who work for API labor organizations or something) next year, it would be really cool. I know that our class is open to getting speakers and going on field trips now, but it's kind of hard to get us all to agree on something, and organize it while having to do our regular work along with planning our event. So if there were certain field trips that we felt could be really cool for next year, or certain speakers we could contact now, I propose that we work that into the syllabus/schedule as opposed to letting the class do whatever the want with it next year--though of course the class would be welcome to add events/activities to the list. At least 1-2 speakers maybe, and 1-2 field trips?
What I like:
ReplyDeleteBlog - it gets us thinking about what we're going to talk about, and helps us share our ideas.
Shared student class facilitation - this makes us take on a bit more responsibility in the class, which makes a lot of sense, considering Nancy is technically a "faculty facilitator" and not a professor.
What I don't like:
The lack of interactive media in class. It would be nice to have a short film to watch in class and discuss every now any then, like we did with "Who Killed Vincent Chin?" (though that was a bit long).
I generally like how the class is going. Pace and workload are good. I’m wondering if there are ways we can use this blog more effectively.
ReplyDeleteI think it might be nice if the blog questions were designed as a focused starting point for the class discussion. It might also be good to start off our in-class discussions by pulling together the main points so that we're all on the same page about what the author's arguments are, before delving into our own thoughts and discussion.
I agree with Jessica that for next semester we should start talking to a couple possible speakers and look into details of a couple selected field trips, so that there is a starting place for the class (and class participants can then revisit and adapt/modify them as needed).
The readings, pace of the class, and workload are reasonable. However, like Kim said, I wish the blog could be used as an area to enhance interaction and create dialogue between classmates. I also agree with Jessica that a reader should be created and field trips/speakers should be selected and set up. Shara's suggestion of more in-class films is also vital as there are documentary films on labor issues that could be useful to the new class. Personally, I would like more involvement from the instructor, thought, I understand his/her role is as facilitator. I still would like to hear comments from the instructor's point of view as he/she is the expert in the field and has more experience to share.
ReplyDeleteOverall I enjoy our class and am satisfied with the workload and pace. I think our class discussions consist of thoughtful insights. We have created a safe space for honesty. The unconventional style of the class really works us. We ask each other questions and it is awesome that you all and myself can work through ideas - you really see the process of critically thinking.
ReplyDeleteI think it would benefit the class to have assigned field trips and speakers. We can keep the freedom with in the class, but we need more structure of the class as a whole.
Watching films or reading parts or acting out parts of plays, drawing or any creative interaction with art would be great! that would be able to set the class discussion.
The blog works for me, maybe we can bring it up in class to see what people said or have it up for people to reference.
We should do something as a class - asian art exhibit? little tokyo? is there any asian community near by (not in the city?) what could we do during this class time?
I agree with Shara and Cheukwa what showing more documentaries and films in class would be very benificial and would be a good discussion topic and a good way to break up the long class time. I also think more field trips would be a good way to experience what we are learning first hand. I like how everyone has a turn to lead the class because it pushes you to know the material almost expertly and is good practice in presenting to a class. I think the amount of reading is managable and the blog post is a good idea but sometimes it is intimidating seeing what others write and how much they write and trying to produce a post that is equal quailty to the other people in the class. I think the class is going well overall and with a few changes it can be great!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed attending Kollaboration, not just for entertainment purposes, but because it exposed me to an world/arena of Asian American arts that I had never seen/heard. I remember standing outside the shrine, waiting to get in, I looked around, and said, "man, I've never been around this many Asian AMerican people at one time." And it was all for a positive goal, to empower AA's and to promote AA's in entertainment.
ReplyDeleteMy point? Maybe we should really institute the requirement of having a field trip that is mandatory because these field trips are often not just for leisure, they are often eye opening experiences. I didn't go to the "Song fo Ourselves" event but from what I heard, it was also pretty moving.
I agree with Kim that the blog questions should be used as springboards for class discussions. I've found that our discussions tend to be a bit unfocused, and it might be useful to have some kind of a framework.
ReplyDeleteI also think it might be valuable to spend some time programming speakers and fieldtrips in to the syllabus for next year. I have a few that I'm going to throw into a new blogpost.
Sorry my post is a little late! I completely forgot about it. Anyways, I really like how the class is going right now. The readings are just the right amount work. I also really enjoy the class discussions, they seem get everyone thinking and interested in the topic. I think that the blogs are a good way to make sure that everyone is doing the reading and they also serve the purpose of getting us thinking before class so that the class discussions are more interesting. The only thing that I would like more of is media, like Shara said. I think it is really interesting to clips from youtube or documentaries because they give us an outside perspective that we can discuss in class.
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