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Printer-Friendly ModeContinuity key to English 111
submitted by Eric Gardner
January 16, 2006 —
Without commenting on the merits of your editorial "Class Inconsistencies Counterproductive," I do feel compelled to address two errors.
Late in the piece, in a brief aside, you suggest that students enrolling in English 111 are guaranteed no consistency of experience and have no way of knowing "what they'll learn from the class." Both claims are incorrect.
While we certainly value individual pedagogies, SVSU has made significant efforts to ensure continuity in the key elements of all sections of English 111. All sections adhere to a detailed framework approved by the English Department. All have similarities in workload and character of assignments. All use a common (and very detailed) rubric in evaluating written work. Indeed, all of the instructors of English 111 meet at least twice each semester to examine sample papers to ensure continuity in terms of grading and expectations. All administer standard assessments to students at both the mid-point and the conclusion of the course. Indeed, English 111 is so clearly a systematized program (rather than a collection of different courses under the same name) that it was singled out by the Higher Learning Commission for praise.
Students can easily access information on these issues. All English 111 students are given a copy of the course rubric, and all sections discuss the issues above. All students - including those on the Vanguard editorial board, if you were willing to take the time - can access the 111 Web site at www.svsu.edu/english/english111.cfm; it details much of the information above and is conveniently linked to the English Department Web site. I would invite you to peruse the information on this site as you consider ways to bring all of us to a "higher standard" of critical thinking and writing.
Eric Gardner English 111 Coordinator