Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tobin or Not Tobin, that is the Question
“...by not emphasizing the teaching of grammar, usage, audience analysis, and proofreading, college composition teachers were accused of failing students who needed to learn the conventions of academic discourse.” (Tobin in Tate, et al 11) This point seems like much of the highly contentious, emotionally charged discussion that's gone on in our class lately. But by the end of his essay, Tobin points out that, while he centers on Process Pedagogy, he has “minilessons” on ethos, citation format, and even the 5 paragraph essay. How can he be an adherent of Process and do this? He can because he can. Just because he likes one method doesn't mean that it must be the ONLY thing he teaches. By recognizing the usefulness for his students of other tidbits, details, and morsels he can make use of them and keep his classes well-rounded. Going to extreme positions doesn't usually work, whether it's in politics, arguments or classrooms.
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"Adaptability" is the word for Tobin. When all the grammar and word choice is given an outlet, the way each individual student learns must be taken into account. If Compostion Theory was polititics, Tovin would be "wishy-washy". Since Compostition Theory is about teaching and learning, I think his discussion makes "good sense". after all, the teacher has to be just as comfortable with the personal method of teaching as the student hopefully is responsive.
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