Journal Blog #6: Final Arguments.

We are nearing the end as we are in our final preparations of thinking, brainstorming, organizing, and outlining. This entire term, we have engaged in class with several different debates. We have seen how arguments work, and by now, we can assess what makes and argument strong and what doesn't work.

Remember that the best arguments--the most persuasive arguments--are ones that people can relate to. You have stories of real people (sourced possibly from the news or even academic work) that exemplify the point that you're trying to make. If your argument is purely based on your own experience, you should know by now that this doesn't withstand a pointed critique. Evidence with highly credible support is what gives power to your argument. This is your challenge.

Briefly and concisely, state one or two of the arguments that you plan to use to support your position. Make your first post by Sunday night. Then, please respond to two of your classmates and feel free to challenge them on their arguments. Make your response posts by class next week. Remember to include your ID# in your post.

Aj. M

Journal Blog #5: Columbia Journal Review Critique.

For this journal blog, you will need to read this article by Justin Heifetz, a former writer for the Bangkok Post. This was published by the Columbia Journalism Review, a wing of the Columbia School of Journalism in New York.

In this article, you will see a scathing rebuke of the
Bangkok Post, and critique of journalism in Thailand more generally. Near the bottom of the first page, Heifetz states: "There is a systematic failure in the Thai media, and the Post exemplifies it."

He then goes on to argue his case, describing his experiences as a foreign journalist in Thailand, at the time under military rule.

This exercise is meant as practice for our upcoming critique assignment. It will be your job to present an article with an opinion, summarize the position and arguments, and then critique it.

As you read critically, ask yourself some important guiding questions: What are the strategies the writer is using to persuade you, the reader? Are the arguments valid? Are you a biased reader? Do you have blind spots that may cloud your judgment of the debate?

Moreover, what is your level of confidence in the writer and the source in which it is published? All of these are considerations for a high quality critique.

For this post, I want you to simply state whether or not you are persuaded by the text. Why or why not? You may reflect on any of the above considerations that help to inform your position.

UPDATE: AFTER READING THE BANGKOK POST REBUTTAL, RESPOND TO YOUR OWN COMMENT ON THIS BLOG. DO YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY? OR DIFFERENTLY?

Make your post by next class. Remember to include your ID# in all of your posts. Aj. M

Journal Blog #4: Anatomy of an Argument.

 As we prepare our argumentative proposals, we have to make a decision about what our issue and position is, as well how we intend to argue it. This means identify a sub-theme, and a particular "angle" for arguing out opinion. In highly complex issues related to Education, we can see that they are about economics, culture, pedagogy, technology, and so on. We need to make a choice.

In this journal blog post, test out your argument. In your post, include 2 things. (1) Describe a little about the background of your topic (What is it about? Why is it important?) (2) State your premises that lead to your conclusion. Your premises should indicate how you are arguing the case.

For this assignment, you are not bound to this post. You can change your mind after. However, take this opportunity to start planning your assignment, and testing out ideas to see if you're on the right track.

As usual, make your post by Sunday. Please respond to 2 classmates by class on Tuesday next week.

Remember to include your ID# in your posts.

Journal Blog #3: Capitalization.

In Revisionist History, episodes 4-6, Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of Carlos. Carlos is a Hispanic kid from a poor neighbourhood in Los Angeles. Early on, it was clear that Carlos was special. He is really smart. He stands out among his peers. And because he got lucky and was discovered by a wealth benefactor, Carlos was able to get funded to attend an elite private school in LA. But that is as far as he could go. For reasons of complicated family conditions, he couldn't continue his education despite his obvious talent.

Gladwell talks about a concept called capitalization. In this journal blog, share what you understand by this term. What we also learn
is that in the United States, Carlos is not that unique. There are a lot of very smart kids in poor circumstances. And these poor circumstances tend to prevent these poor smart kids from reaching their potential.

The second question to consider for this journal blog is...  Do you think there is a similar case in Thailand, or for other places you come from? Despite what we have read so far in this course, Thailand has some great schools and universities. And they tend to be reserved for the privileged kids. Do you think Thailand (or consider your country) could do a better job of capitalizing on the real resources of the country?

Please respond to the blog by Sunday night. Respond to 2 classmates by before next class. Remember to include your ID# in your post. Aj. M

Journal Blog #2: The Quarterback Problem

We have been reading and discussing the roots of what makes an educations system succeed or fail. Gladwell argues that the teacher is the most crucial value-adding mechanism in a school. While all of the other factors are important (class sizes, family support, teacher-pay, and so on), the quality of teachers is the most crucial thing we must identify.

The problem is, according to Gladwell, that there is no way to identify a good teacher until he or she teaches.

He uses the analogy of the quarterback to make this point. It appears that most great quarterbacks in the college game fail in the professional game. On the other hand, more mediocre quarterbacks in college become stars in the pros. This makes the process of scouting quarterbacks an impossible task.

We have many talented students right now in universities, studying subjects and succeeding as students. Many of them will choose and train for the very honourable and important profession of teaching. However, many of them will land a place as a teacher in a school, and may find that they lose their vision and their spirit (as the Nation website reports).

In your view, and in your experience as students in your respective education systems, do you agree with Gladwell's argument? Do you see a quarterback problem in the education system from which you come?

Make your post by Sunday night. Respond to 2 classmates by before next class. Remember to include your ID# in your post. Aj. M