Jago Chapter 1

It was funny reading the different interpretations of essay prompts. I am one of those students who might read a prompt and then begin writing with the idea that completing the assignment means answering ALL four of the questions within the prompt, and answering them in the order they were asked. There have been times that I have tried to write such a paper, but end up with too many different ideas. I sort of forced the ideas together in a paper that made sense, but wasn't as connected as I would have liked. Yet, I always felt like I would get points marked off of my paper if I didn't address every single question asked in the prompt. Reflecting on my own writing experiences as a student opens my eyes to the importance of teachers giving clear, concise, and meaningful prompts.

I also think that it is important for students to understand how the activities they do in class can help them outside of class. Jago has the students do the Question Paper assignment. I love this assignment, because it is a fantastic way to get ideas flowing while navigating through your own thought process. When it comes to learning, students of all ages are always asking, "When are we ever going to use this?" An activity like the Question Paper is something that use, especially if the teacher takes the time to explain it as a writing tool. The whole thing makes me think about sports. During practice, you are always doing ten minute drills over and over, and you don't really understand the purpose of the drills until you play in the actual game. Then it just sort of clicks -- all of the little drills from practice make you a better player overall. I think writing is like that too.