Today is the last day for submissions for the first Pod---Regionalism, Etc. The Men. Since this is the second time this Pod has been studied/used/read/utilized, I thought about similarities and differences between the two groups.
One: More activity with this group than the group last spring. That is a GOOD thing, of course.
Two: More discussion board posts. That too is a good thing. Interaction among the students is great!
Three: More Pronto participation. We had a fantastic group on Monday evening. Questions were asked; answers were given. Concepts were explained. Information was given for new assignments (books, Blogs).
Four: Staggered submissions. One of the purposes of the Pod is to allow students to read according to their schedules, select the authors and titles they think they will enjoy or be challenged by, and submit when they are finished. Many students have submitted early in the week, rather than waiting until Friday at 11 to submit everything. This is great time management, in my opinion, to post at times OTHER than on Friday night.
Five: a little disappointment. I really like Bret Harte and Jack London and only a couple of people read their short stories. "Poker Flat" is one of my all-time favorites and I love "To Build a Fire" too. "Owl Creek Bridge" was very popular as was "Editha." I was also surprised by the number who read Huck Finn--all of it!
Six: Positive feedback...several students have sent notes or told me in person that they are really enjoying the Pods, the format, the selections. That is great news for me!
Onward to Pod #2--The Women! Hopefully some will start Blogs this week also.
Happy Reading!
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