"A" Book Options:

Book Talk

If you have contracted for an "A" in Engl 5902, you will be giving a book talk sometime during the term. The purpose of this task is first to acquaint yourself with what yet another writer has to say about writing or the teaching of writing and then to share what the author has to offer to the rest of the class. You will have 10 - 15 minutes. You should have a one-page handout prepared that includes a full citation of the book. Reap the wealth of what the book has to offer for prospective teachers on this handout. If you get this handout to me a week in advance, I will have it duplicated and ready for your booktalk; otherwise you are on you own for duplication. Remember that the others in the class are prospective teachers, so focus on material that may be important to them in their own future classrooms.

Techniques for book talks:

  1. Think of a "lead," a way to get the attention of the class members. Is there something quick the class can do to help them experience part of what your author covers?
  2. Give the class an overview of what the book has to offer in breadth and depth.
  3. Capitalize on the book's strong points when preparing your book talks. Give the class a way to remember the book.
  4. Be analytical about the book. Do you find that you trust its advice completely? Where are your reservations? They may be a point for discussion when you are done.
  5. If there is a way, demonstrate something that the author has said, something that will help the listeners learn from what you have learned.
  6. Quotes can be very powerful. Are there some that ask themselves to be read aloud to the class?
  7. Have the book with you when you give the talk.
  8. If you are able to find it, include some personal information about the author(s) of the books you are talking about.
  9. Have a clear opening and closing to your talk.

Blog Option:

The blog option will ask you to write a 4 (or so) page paper about the wealth that your "A" book has to offer to writing teachers. This can be in the form of a book review or some other more imaginative format and will be posted on the internet during the last three weeks. You may agree or disagree with the author and what they say, or you can think of a way to report what they have said. If you can, respond to the book in a way that might provoke comments from your classmates, but be true to the book and its worth. Your peers in the class will, at some time, be assigned to respond to your blog. Your blog will also be open to response from the rest of the world so prepare it carefully. More information will be forthcoming about how to load this paper onto the web.