Blog 3

Kean Culture of Writing

As I wrote this piece, I went back over and over again and developed my ideas as I typed. I realized half way through my writing, that Kean Students value two types of writing. They value one type based on personal preference. The other type of writing is valued by force. You’re probably wondering “what the heck is she talking about?” Well let me explain, since this isn’t an actual essay, I don’t need to state my thesis…(there’s my slap in the face to the conventions and restraints of academic writing). Are you confused yet? Keep reading, I promise I’ll make sense.

I think Kean University students value their own writing, their own voice, their creativity and freedom to express themselves. However, they are forced to conform to academic writing if they want to receive good grades. Most courses require written pieces to follow a specific structure and style which creates boundaries and constraints which can hinder the creative flow.

I can’t speak for all of Kean students but I can speak based on my observations from working with classmates, students for the past few years. When these students are given boundaries and forced to write on “boring” topics, student seem detached and are just willing to do what is necessary in order to get the “good grade”. However, as these students are typing on their laptops or netbooks, the majority of the time, they have their word document opened with a browser window minimized, that shows me what they trully value above all.

By now, I’m guessing that you have figured out what I’m talking about. If you’re thinking, “Oh that link is facebook”. Then you’re right! When comes to topics of interest, or writing on the internet such as face book, people are given the chance to find their own voice. They are not worried about grammatical errors or formality. Of course there are student who are not fans of face book, I’m just pointing out that many of the people I’ve met on campus are computer savvy and write on a daily basis via internet. I also want to point out that although some people do not know how to use computers, it’s safe to say that many people do text. Again, I’m talking about the younger generation, no I’m not speaking for the nontraditional students or professors, and I’m talking about students between 17-27 years old. Maybe I seem biased, but hey I see many of them texting on their phones. I should conduct some surveys to prove my point huh?

Anyway, I guess I’m saying there are two sets of values that Kean students have. One is chosen while the other is forced. First, I think they mainly value their own writing, the liberating, unrestricted, “type whatever however whenever you want on the internet” kind of writing. It’s the writing where they socialize, connect and contribute and constantly update thoughts via internet or text message. While the other type of writing is academic writing. They have to follow the rules in order to get a good grade, graduate, find a job or continue going to school.

Now that you’ve read my blog, which do you think I value?

What is valued or expected from students in their courses?

Academic writing is valued by our professors. Our professors want us to clarify our main ideas, create our thesis statements in the very beginning. Write in APA or MLA format. They want us to justify our arguments, provide resources, paraphrase, quote and summarize. What is expected is clear concise transference of ideas through written pieces that adhere to the rules of Strunk and White’s “The Elements of Style”.