Lesson Report:
**Title: Reflective Writing and Introduction to Haikus**
Synopsis: In this session, students reflected on their initial experience at AUCA and were introduced to the structured form of Japanese haikus. The lesson intended to develop reflective writing skills through personal introspection and connect students with their surroundings by engaging in a haiku-writing exercise. This session combined discussion, personal reflection, and creative writing to foster a deeper understanding of self-expression in writing.
**Attendance:**
– Five students mentioned absent: Angelica, Katerina, Abbas, Ali Shor, and Nika.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Introduction and Essay Feedback:**
– Discussed the importance of structuring essays around a central question.
– Essays should remain consistent, coherent, and broken up into paragraphs.
– Feedback to be provided on essays regarding strengths and areas for improvement.
– Essays were returned to students, and they were instructed to type them for the final portfolio.
2. **Reflective Writing Exercise:**
– Students were asked to write a letter to themselves one week ago, reflecting on their AUCA experience.
– Prompts included expectations met, surprises, challenges faced, and personal growth.
3. **Discussion on University Life:**
– Students shared experiences, highlighting the shift from high school to university.
– Emphasized the significance of social interactions and community in university life.
4. **Introduction to Haikus:**
– Explanation of haiku structure: three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
– Provided an example haiku and discussed the thematic emphasis on nature and personal reflection.
5. **Haiku Walk Activity:**
– Students instructed to create a map to their favorite place on campus without using many words.
– Students tasked to write 15 haikus in three stages: five en route to the location, five at the destination, and five on the return, using a different path.
– Focus on sensory experiences and personal reflections during the walk.
6. **Portfolio Formatting Guidance:**
– Students reminded to type their essays and make sure each work has its own page in the final portfolio.
– Encouraged to creatively format their portfolios to represent their academic journey.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Urgent:**
– Ensure all students have submitted typed essays for their final portfolios.
– Confirm all students follow portfolio formatting guidelines (individual pages per entry).
– **Upcoming:**
– Collect and review any recorded performances or presentations the students might post in the group chat.
– Follow up on partner-mapping activity results in the next session.
– **General:**
– Provide feedback on the reflective letters as an introductory FYS assessment.
– Confirm all students are added to the class Telegram group to ensure smooth communication.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Portfolio Typing and Organization
For this assignment, your task is to organize and type up your written work as a part of your portfolio. The purpose of this assignment is to create a cohesive and visually appealing representation of your writing that will be presented to your First-Year Seminar (FYS) professor, showcasing what you’ve accomplished during the orientation program.
Instructions:
1. Select five pieces of writing from your notebook that you feel best represent your work and experiences during the orientation program.
2. Type up each selected piece word-for-word. Please ensure that each piece is formatted consistently in terms of font and styling throughout the document.
3. Additionally, type up the essay you previously submitted. This should also be included in your portfolio.
4. Organize your portfolio so that each piece of writing has its own individual page. Ensure there is a clear separation between each work.
5. You have full creative liberty with your portfolio’s layout. Consider adding graphics or formatting adjustments to make it visually attractive and representative of your style. Remember, while there is no beauty grade, presentation is important.
6. Submit the completed portfolio by the deadline, ensuring it meets the outlined criteria.
ASSIGNMENT #2: Haiku Walk Exercise
In this creative exercise, you will compose haikus based on your sensory experiences around campus. This activity aims to enhance your observation and reflection skills while familiarizing yourself with your university environment.
Instructions:
1. Start individually by drawing a map in your notebook to your favorite place on campus. Use minimal words; rely primarily on visuals.
2. Find a partner, and verbally explain the route to your favorite place using the map as a guide. Do not leave the room yet; just exchange instructions.
3. Once partners have exchanged directions, begin the Haiku Walk:
– While traveling to your chosen location, write five haikus inspired by what you see, hear, feel, and remember. Remember the haiku format: three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
– On arrival, observe your surroundings, and write five more haikus capturing your environment and feelings.
– Take a different route back to the classroom, noting new observations, and compose five additional haikus based on this different perspective.
4. Ensure you return to the classroom by 10:50 am to share your experiences and haikus with the group.