ENGL 505A

I usually hate throwing around my opinion (ok, so that's a lie but i usually at least admit that my opinion is probably pretty cheap to come by) but after three days of one-on-one conferencing, I just want to relay an anecdote or two that I think speaks to both the utility and the humanity of giving our students some individual lovin', and by lovin' i mean conferencing (as I wrote that I felt some people (this means you Sam) possibly growing a little tense).

Anywho, I've got one student who took this Tuesday to give me their Office of Accessibility sheet and discuss with me their particular needs. I felt that this student was embarrassed by what they had to say to me, and that, even in a small group, they probably wouldn't have given me this information, which, in all honesty, is going to affect how I give this student feedback and personal instruction.

I've got another student who has to be pathologically shy. Their writing diagnostic was SUPERB and I was floored by the difference between their inclass persona (this student sits tucked away in the corner, avoids eye contact, shuffles in and out of class with lightning speed, NEVER talks) and their written persona. After the first conference with this student today, I feel that maybe some bonds of trust or comfort or whatever (lovin'?) were built, and that maybe now they'll come out of their shell (a bit) in class.

In any case, the only reason that I'm even sounding off is that as I was conducting these two conferences, there were two other instructors doing team conferences in the room in groups of six and eight respectively. And, not surprisingly, what was going on sounded less like a conference (to me) and more like a mini-lecture, which, I think, defeats the whole darn purpose.

I like my kids (I inevitably think of my students as my kids). I want them not only to do well in class, but in life. I want them to be happy, realized, educated, enlightened individuals. (and, yes, I know how sappy this sounds, but its true). No, they aren't all going to do well in class, but, sometimes when you get to know them, failing the right kid at the right juncture in their life is exactly what they need anyway... This is turning into a rant, which happens sometimes.

Sorry, I'll cut myself off now. At any rate, my vote goes to one-on-one conferencing. You can think otherwise, if you like. But then you'd be wrong...