ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020

Representing Illinois State University’s fall 2020 cohort of English 297, “Teaching Writing and Diverse Writers”

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

A quick reminder, all, to please include the tags #NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite as you join us! We are loving these conversations!

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

The autumn 2020 class of ENG 297 with @shochstetler is signing off for the evening. Thank you to all who contributed and made this event possible! The conversations shouldn't stop here, so keep your thoughts coming.
#NDOWUNMASK #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

Our last question for the evening:
Moving forward, as we enter student teaching and another semester of COVID learning, how will we continue to work on unmasking our writerly identities and encourage our students to do the same? (methods of action)
#NDOWUNMASK #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@shochstetler Yes—students’ writing in particular is so often very confined in language, topic, format, voice. How can students write authentically in that environment?

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

Wow—some amazing convos today! We’re winding down, but have a couple more questions. When thinking about the oppressive "masks" for teaching writers or writing that have been passed down to us, what are you working to take off? #NDOWUNMASK #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

Following up on our conversation regarding the “masks” that are adopted within writing, it is important to recognize and discuss our own experiences. Have you ever had to take up a mask that doesn’t align with your writerly identity?
#NDOWUNMASK #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@teachstrauch The idea of switching masks and the importance of awareness is crucial!

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

In light of discussion surrounding “masks” with students and teachers, relationships can seem disingenuous at time. When it comes to teaching writing, what metaphorical mask do you feel like you put on in front of your students? #NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@teachstrauch Love to see the development! All sorts of styles work, what an important thing to keep in mind.

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

Lots of discussion around the bravery involved in putting pen to paper. It can definitely be tough for many reasons. How do you feel about your relationship with writing? Has it changed over time?
#NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

Lots of great responses coming in so far, let's keep it going! How does your writing correlate with your identity? #NDOWUNMASK

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

We've had some really powerful tweets come at us from that last question about uncovering parts of yourself in writing. Keep on going and fill us in on how your writing correlates with your personal identity! Does it always?
#NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@MissGranbom Great words; vulnerability is a two way street.
#ndowunmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

Loving the conversation so far; let's keep it going with our fourth round of questions! Let's start with a broad one before we narrow down: How can writing be a vulnerable act?
#NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

When we unmask our teacher selves we let our students see who we WERE as students and who we ARE as lifelong learners...what can we achieve by showing our students this perspective? #NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@missarmas423 “their words are powerful and deserve to be heard” very well said @missarmas423 #NDOWUnmask

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

A common thread in our discussion about unmasking seems to be inspiring lifelong writers. How does “unmasking” our writing promote lifelong writing? #NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@MrHC60168119 @MrHC60168119 makes a good point: how can we expect authenticity from our students if we don’t model it for them first?

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

Thank you so much to everyone for their continued conversation! Here’s our third round of questions to help us continue the Great Unmasking process:
What is the significance of “unmasking” in the context of teaching writing to our students?
#NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@MissMallon @MissMallon works toward social justice by problematizing the way we grade and assess 🤔

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

We’re curious: have you had the opportunity to unmask your own writerly identity? Was this in one of your English classes, or possibly outside of a school setting? We’d love to hear some of your #unmasking stories. #NDOWUnmask #WhyIWrite #NCTEchat

[ISU ENG 297, Fall 2020 @NDOWUnmask]

@teachstrauch @teachstrauch and @court_stolba shared similar realizations that they needed to “write for themselves” in what ways can we support our students “writing for themselves”?