Week three: Workshopping

I was impressed with the quality of our first work shop session. I was a bit skeptical at first, for students are typically hesitant to share their criticism or suggestions. Such a comment could appear to be a personal affront, and as a result, most people avoid it. I must admit, I am well acquainted with the typical high school critique sessions: "oh, it was beautiful", or "I really liked how you expressed your emotion". Not only were these comments thoughtless, they did not help the writer at all with the revision process. I am impressed that our work shop groups are comfortable with expressing their thoughts and suggestions - It will certainly benefit the progress of the class.
I enjoy the workshops, for it gives me a chance to read the work of my peers. In the English classes I have taken, papers tend to be “confidential”, and the students never have the chance to review the ideas or accomplishments of their peers. It seemed like my classes were always developed on a one way tract: Student produces work for professor. Although class discussions were helpful, I always felt removed from everyone else. However, in our workshops, I have the opportunity to read the ideas and expressions of others, and in doing so, I learn more about the writer and the poem. Such discoveries seem to improve the overall communicative dynamics of the class.