First, congratulations on completing your first current event comments. On the whole, everyone did a nice job analyzing my different current event posts, and many of you demonstrated a good grasp of our government at work. However, now that you have completed your first current event comments I have some constructive (I hope) criticism for you:
Good Analysis, But...
Most everyone did a nice job analyzing the articles I posted, however, I would like to see you do more than just state your opinion. Instead, try expanding your analysis beyond yourself - add links to other articles, connect my current event to other events or other ideas, try to make connections beyond the article! For example, many of you chose to comment on the article about younger Americans being less patriotic, but few of you made the connection between the article and the upcoming midterm elections or voting in general. If younger Americans are less patriotic, will they vote less too? Is that OK?
Comments and Posts Are Not Essays
Most of you chose to write your current event articles as you would a personal essay, in that you stated your opinion the topic and then supported it with information from the article. This is good, but your comments are not essays. I am not looking just for your opinion, I am also looking to see you interact with and discuss these current event topics with your fellow classmates. Therefore, you must try to address both the article and your classmates. However, it doesn't need to be super formal, just talk to them! Do you agree with their opinion? Why or why not? Do you have a question for them? Do want to start an argument? Go for it! This is politics! It gets bloody sometimes!
Comments Are Your Babies - Check In On Them!
Finally, please don't just make your comment and then never check in on it. After you've commented check back later to see what your classmates have said, maybe someone is calling you out and your not fighting back. Check in often!
Overall, you did a great job with your comments, but there is certainly room for improvement on the next round. Remember to check the blog frequently, and if there are any questions please ask!
Hello Mr. Balanda! For our comments, if I was to comment on a classmate's current event would that count as my comment that's due on July 24, or does it have to be on a current event you posted?
ReplyDeleteYou should try to post on one of my current event posts, but you can absolutely comment on on a classmates post if it intrigues you (in fact I encourage it!). However, please make sure that you are commenting on a recent current event (like one posted within two weeks not a month ago).
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