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Students Present at State English Convention
MAY 13, 2005--Two undergraduate students and three alumnae from the English
department at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls presented at the
Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English Language Arts and Wisconsin Communication
Association Convention in Madison, Wis. on April 22. The convention theme,
"Wisconsin Speaks," emphasized the connections among reading,
writing, listening, and speaking.
Undergraduate students Erin Lindgren, an English and Spanish education
major from Austin, Minn., and Kari Johnson, an English and international
studies major from Osceola, Wis., presented at the convention.
Lindgren presented with Sadie Fischer, St. Paul, Minn., and Amber Johnson,
New Richmond, Wis., both alumnae of the UW-River Falls English education
program. Fischer teaches at Community of Peace Academy in St. Paul, and
Johnson teaches at New Richmond High School. They presented a panel session
titled, "Peer Tutoring and
Preparation for Secondary Education." Bringing their different perspectives
to the presentation, each shared her views on the benefits of a writing
center to future English teachers and how to start a writing center in
schools.
Lindgren said of the experience, "It was one of the most enlightening
experiences so far in terms of gathering knowledge and ideas for teaching
English." She continued, "The presentations by other teachers
elevated my level of motivation and reaffirmed my choice to become a teacher."
Kari Johnson presented on a panel with alumna Eva Pitzel, assistant Professor
of English David Beard, and assistant Professor of English Kathleen Hunzer.
Discussing "Visual Literacy: New Alternatives," the panel examined
different forms of media such as 'zines, graphic novels, and advertisements
to inform teachers about the benefits of using different forms of literature
and analysis in the classroom to enhance student learning.
Johnson said, "I benefited from the experience of working one-on-one
with David Beard to create a presentation that taught me how different
forms of literature can engage students, and how graphic novels can teach
students about international cultures and historic events."
English Department faculty Professor David Beard, Professor David Furniss
and Associate Professor Ruth Wood were instrumental in encouraging the
students to take part in the opportunity to present at the state convention.
Furniss supported the importance of professional development, saying,
"Preparing a presentation for a conference is a very valuable exercise
since it reinforces planning and communication skills future teachers
will need to use every day." Furniss added, "It's useful for
anyone hoping to attend graduate school as well, where seminar and conference
presentations are part of the experience."
Organizing a presentation is work, however, and collaborating professor
is priceless. This is echoed by Furniss, "I also think students enjoy
traveling and working with faculty in a different context. I know that
I enjoy collaborating with students on these projects, and especially
watching them represent the university so well."
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