C4T #3

English teacher and writer Mary Worrell makes some extremely important points about English and writing in the 21st century in her Blog. In her post "The Purpose of the English Major", Ms. Worrell presents and reflects on a New York Times article "The Decline and Fall of the English Major". This article presents the view that students are drifting further and further away from Humanities subjects, though Humanities subjects encourage critical thinking and clear, competent, writing. The article and Worrell present the view that Humanities encourage not only practical writing skills, but a competency of the world around you and the ability to reflect on that world. The Humanities' practical value is writing and critical thinking, but it's intrinsic value lies in one's appreciation of literature and a competency of the world around the self.

The Decline and Fall of the English Major: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/23/opinion/sunday/the-decline-and-fall-of-the-english-major.html?smid=tw-share&_r=1&

In her Blog "Building Experiences to Mine", Ms. Worrell elaborates on the need for teachers to find time to engage in study of their subject themselves. Worrell contends that teachers get so caught up in teaching, they forget to pursue their own subjects. Worrell also stated that she learned more in College from one on one help with the T.A.'s than she did in "a crowded lecture hall". In my comments to Ms. Worrell I reflected my belief in the intrinsic, as well as the practical value of Humanities. I also supported Worrell's belief that teachers should find time to pursue study in their field. Overall, I found my opinions to be very similar to Ms. Worrell's. It was immensely encouraging to read a teacher's blog that I have so much common ground with.

Ms. Worrell's Blog: http://www.seemaryteach.com/