1. Tobin makes four examples of what he calls "Root Metaphors" for understanding the power dynamic between instructors and students in the class room. Though he explains the rationale and the merits for each, he never really takes a stance on which metaphor he believes to be the most "correct" in its representation of the reality of the classroom. Which of the four metaphors that Tobin provides do you believe would be the most conducive to a healthy and a effective learning environment? If not one of his four, can you think of another metaphor not mentioned by Tobin that even more clearly demonstrates a healthy balance of power between teacher and student?
2. Selfe makes a compelling argument for the dangers of continuing to ignore the advancement of technology as being distinct from the humanities. I'm inclined to agree, as it seems intuitively obvious that computers and internet access are of great value in facilitating the individual's ability to both benefit from modern education as well as inform oneself freely. However, I often can't help but think back to a moment in one of my writing workshops in which a student had forgotten to take out the side comments left by a grammar check program which had gone through and corrected a large amount of spelling and grammatical issues left in by the writer. Though I typically tend to believe that issues of spelling and grammar are of secondary importance when it comes to creative writing, that situation told me that she had not gone over and revised her piece, relying instead on a program to do the work of editing for her so that she would not need to put in the effort herself. Do you see the benefits provided by technology (such as the grammar correction program I mentioned) having any potential negative side effects even if it is overwhelmingly a good thing? If so, how might some of these side effects manifest?
I think a teacher as a party host is the most conducive metaphor to be adapted to a writing class. In this metaphor, teachers not only facilitate meaningful conversations between students, but they also provide nourishment and environment so that the healthy interaction can happen. As for the other metaphors, I think a teacher as a parent, a preacher, or a performer is too authoritative and one-sided. However, I also agree that one cannot hold on to only one role in a dynamic classroom situation. As Tobin suggests, teachers should be ready to engage with students in various ways and should be aware of what roles they are performing and what setbacks can be following to the role.
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