I really enjoyed Paideia a great deal more this time around, I think, than the whole of sophomore year. Granted, this is probably due to the fact that I’m a better human being than I once was and that I’m more comfortable with the rest of you, more comfortable with what academics I enjoy and how to speak publicly about them, comfortable with debate and openly questioning people and being questioned – and for all of this, I’d like to extend my thanks, because you’ve all played a huge, huge hand in shaping me this way.
I very much enjoyed our brunches out and would love more of that – I know the scheduling is always crazy and I apologize for my own absences this time around both for the one off-campus outing to Dr. G’s place and for missing, I believe, Laurel’s presentation (sorry, Laurel!). This semester has been particularly rough on moi; I really did stretch myself and reach a limit this time. 14 hours is too few and 18 avec Capstone is too many. Oy vey – but Paideia classes, I have to say, without flattery or buttering, have really acted as a welcome reprieve from the madness of grades and pressure as a return to the joy of learning and thinking for the joy of learning and thinking. And I thank my lucky stars that it’s worked out so well with all of you in the group; I think we had a rocky beginning but that we’re coming together nicely as a unit.
As I mentioned in my previous entry specifically about the student-led discussions, I found this use of class time as particularly useful – I’d just like to see a bit more engagement with the actual presentations from the presenters. But overall, I’m very fond of this method and readily vote for it again for next year. I feel like everyone was very participatory, generally, this time around and that, at least from where I was sitting, people seemed more comfortable about piping up on their own accord. I’m very proud of us for this cultivation of confidence and comfort; I think it shows real gusto and maturity in us as a group that we could come together as a smooth sailin’ ship where so many other groups have splintered apart or into apathy. Thank you for caring so heartily (or at least for acting like it in class it’s made me feel very at home, very comforted and worthwhile).
However, back to the subject of student-led discussions, I would like to propose that since we’re all going to be doing a presentation of some kind at some point next year, why don’t we restrict our presentation topics/readings to things directly pertaining to the material we’re planning on or considering to use for these final projects – and then in the spring semester maybe we could, instead of readings & presentations, just give mock presentations to each other over what we’re planning to present. I know this is a risky business because some people work best under pressure of procrastination, but I think projects like these deserve a bit more forethought than the norm, plus it could really help to keep people from becoming overwhelmed with all the other pressures accompanying the final weeks of college.
Maybe we could all go as a group to some presentations next semester? I know they give them all the time at UT – why not take a day, chalk it up as an excused academic absence, have lunch in Austin and take notes at some professional and graduate presentations? I went to an American Studies graduate panel presentation at UT last semester and, I have to say, I think we could kick their asses with pride and ease.
Peace,
Katie
Monday, April 26, 2010
Paideia Reflection Pool – Student-Led Discussions
Overall, I have to say I really enjoyed all of the student-led discussions this time around. We had some particularly intriguing talks this time around. I enjoyed talking about vegetarianism, sexuality, science, education, Allen Ginsberg, the whole skidoo – I think we came through with some broad, important topics and accomplished the point of Paideia: to make them relevant to ourselves, each other, the program, the greater world, and the web that is liberal arts. So, for this I’d like to give everyone a big bravo!
I’d also like to extend extra thanks on behalf of my discussion and reading about Ginsberg because this very much helped with my research and thesis writing. And this thanks also branches into my deeper appreciation for this method of Paideia-ing because not only did it enable me to better acquaint myself with what’s important to all of you, my Paideia-mates, but it also helped me become a better speaker.
But on this point of what’s important to all of you, I have to say, this was my favorite aspect of our student-led discussions. If Paideia is supposed to be a safe-zone where I can get comfortable enough with myself to make goofy mistakes, show up half asleep, or be there for Brady’s coming out, I think this sort of sharing was the perfect way to cultivate this feeling of academic safety, creativity, and camaraderie. I honestly do feel as though I know each of you much better this time around than last year more because of this sort of arm-twisted sharing time than for any amount of pure extracurricular fun-time. This is my favorite part of school and a large part of why I want to continue on into graduate school. I love learning from people who are A) ferociously intelligent (such as you all) and B) passionate about what they’re learning. And these discussions enabled us to bring to the table those academic branches most important to us, why we go to class every day. It’s something special that I feel honored (honor program or not – huff and puff) to be privy to.
This is not to say, of course, that our discussions couldn’t be improved at all. I think the articles we’ve been coming up with have all been very cool, but I think the presentations should be a bit more involved than a “this is my reading; what did you think?” scenario. I think Steven did a particularly good job with his presentation, coming with notes prepared and a long introductory spiel to what the reading meant to him, how it could apply/be important to us as well before providing us with specific keynote questions and opening up the floor. I feel like there should be a bit more pressure on the draw with these presentations; not a mammoth’s load, I’m not in love with mountains of work either, but I think that’s the point of these presentations, right? – that they shouldn’t feel like too much work to begin with if we’re really addressing a topic that’s important and dear to us.
Appreciatively,
Katie
I’d also like to extend extra thanks on behalf of my discussion and reading about Ginsberg because this very much helped with my research and thesis writing. And this thanks also branches into my deeper appreciation for this method of Paideia-ing because not only did it enable me to better acquaint myself with what’s important to all of you, my Paideia-mates, but it also helped me become a better speaker.
But on this point of what’s important to all of you, I have to say, this was my favorite aspect of our student-led discussions. If Paideia is supposed to be a safe-zone where I can get comfortable enough with myself to make goofy mistakes, show up half asleep, or be there for Brady’s coming out, I think this sort of sharing was the perfect way to cultivate this feeling of academic safety, creativity, and camaraderie. I honestly do feel as though I know each of you much better this time around than last year more because of this sort of arm-twisted sharing time than for any amount of pure extracurricular fun-time. This is my favorite part of school and a large part of why I want to continue on into graduate school. I love learning from people who are A) ferociously intelligent (such as you all) and B) passionate about what they’re learning. And these discussions enabled us to bring to the table those academic branches most important to us, why we go to class every day. It’s something special that I feel honored (honor program or not – huff and puff) to be privy to.
This is not to say, of course, that our discussions couldn’t be improved at all. I think the articles we’ve been coming up with have all been very cool, but I think the presentations should be a bit more involved than a “this is my reading; what did you think?” scenario. I think Steven did a particularly good job with his presentation, coming with notes prepared and a long introductory spiel to what the reading meant to him, how it could apply/be important to us as well before providing us with specific keynote questions and opening up the floor. I feel like there should be a bit more pressure on the draw with these presentations; not a mammoth’s load, I’m not in love with mountains of work either, but I think that’s the point of these presentations, right? – that they shouldn’t feel like too much work to begin with if we’re really addressing a topic that’s important and dear to us.
Appreciatively,
Katie
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