Grammar Wednesday!

Another “confused words” edition:
This one comes from Kizz; she wants to know the difference between inquire and enquire.
These words both mean “to ask.”  The use of enquire has pretty much fallen out of Americans’ vocabulary – it’s mostly a British word now – though a few old-schooler American grammar snobs still use enquire when they’re [...]

Oh, To Be a Fly On the Wall…

I got this from my boss this morning. It was addressed to me, the head chef, and the Dean of Ed. at the college:
Ladies and Gentleman,
I am forwarding this email to all of you since these two gentlemen have continued to show the most sophisticated academic standards in our institution since their arrival in [...]

Ten Things Tuesday, Plus Two

Ten things I learned teaching English Composition this semester (with bonus entries):
1. It is a risky thing to be open and personal with students but, when done correctly, it’s worth it for the relationships it earns me.
2. A student thinking I’m a bitch doesn’t make me one.
3. Never take a class’s word for [...]

Well, THAT Was Quite a Learning Experience!

I met with Joe this morning about my two ‘favorite’ students. I have to say that I’m a little disappointed with the outcome of that meeting.
While I understand that there’s really not much that Joe CAN do at this point, I had kind of hoped for more than a “note in their academic files.” [...]

The Crusade Continues

There’s a car dealership located at an intersection on the way to my health club.  This car dealership has a large, lighted sign in the front yard that runs various messages, and I often find myself reading them as I sit at the light.
Two weeks ago, I was prompted to call the customer service line [...]

I’ve HAD It…

I’m having conferences with my Bozo Twins tomorrow. Hopefully, these conferences will include my department head and the head chef.
I came home this afternoon to find these two lovely human beings had sent me some email. I was horrifed at what they’d written.
I saw Tad’s first, and responded to his little whining fit [...]

Letters (and Love) From My Students

Today’s in-class writing assignment was for the students to write letters to the kids I’ll have in next term’s composition class.  Here are some of my favorite excerpts:
***Mrs. Chili really is funny, and she has some listen-worth stories.  Ask her about her emergency brake.
**English Comp.  I know it’s boring, but do not worry.  Mrs. Chili [...]

Oh, The Irony…

…I’ve just discovered, after sorting through all the portfolios that my Monday class has handed in, that Megadeth Dave did not submit his final project.
This final project is worth 40% of the grade.
Factoring in the zero brings Dave from a 67.7 to a 40.6.
I still haven’t heard any response back from him over our latest [...]

Seriously

This is kind of a long story. Bear with me.
I have a particular student in one of my classes; we’ll call him Dave. I had this student before – in my public speaking class last term – and found him to be… how shall I put this?… challenging. His demeanor is that [...]

I’ll Brag to You…

… but I’m not breathing a word of this to my students.
I spent the better part of yesterday morning cleaning up my desk. A term’s worth of composition class materials had been building up there, and was threatening to spill out into the kitchen (as it was, things were already creeping past the confines [...]