A1: Student interview of a close relation about his/her learning development

Interview with Andrew Tamburro

1.      What have I been like as a student seen you’ve known me?

   -From my experience, Katie is a diligent, hard-working student, who has a hard time helping other people.  Katie is a procrastinator but she always gets things done on time.

2.      Do I turn things in on time?

   -Yes, always

3.      What are some of the ways I learn best? (learning processes)

   -Katie is a hands-on learner.  She likes to see whatever she is learning, and needs to write things down.  

4.      How do I study? With the music on? At the last minute?

   -She likes to study by herself, because she is easily distracted by anything.  She studies in complete silence, and usually at the last minute.

5.      What do I like to do outside of school?

   -Hang out with me, cook, party, hang out with friends, go to the beach, go to the gym, and dance.

6.      What career do you picture me doing?

   -I picture her taking over her mom’s chain of Christmas stores.

7.      What kind of jobs would I be good at?

   -She would be good at any job that involves math and bossing people around.

8.      What kind of person do you see me as? 

   -Very smart, very bright, determined, short tempered, and loving

A2: Student’s personal reflection on his/her own development as it relates to the course strands

1. What was your history with technology?

-When I was very young, we had a painting board that was hooked to a television and what you drew on the board would show up on the screen. I also played duck hunt on Nintendo, and computer games.

2. What has been your experience in past English courses? Did you like it?

- While I was in middle school and high school I mostly took honors level English classes. The honors level English classes were not very challenging, and pretty boring, but I am more interested in math and science courses so I didn’t mind not being challenged. My junior year of high school though, my mom made me take the AP English Language and Composition course, which I wasn’t very pleased about. It was extremely difficult for me in the beginning, but throughout the year I learned a lot and began to enjoy the class discussions. My writing improved and I ended up passing the AP exam. Then my senior year I decided that I had proved myself in English and went back to the joke honors course.

3. What did the teacher make you do?

-In the honors courses, we read in class and did small writing assignments and mostly “busy work” worksheets. In AP English we wrote a lot of essays analyzing movie clips, pictures, and writings.

4. Are you good at arguing?

-I’m not sure. I think I am. I am very logical, and use logos a lot to portray my point of view. I think I can usually come up with a good argument.

5. What is your writing process?

-I am definitely a procrastinator. I usually wait until the day or night before to work on a paper.

6. What is helpful to you when you’re trying to get started writing something?

-When I am trying to get started on something, I like to have a clear topic with certain points that need to be hit.

7. What technology do you use in your everyday life?

-I normally just use the computer to check my email or look for something on the internet. I am a little technology challenged, and I can only do the simple things on the computer. I don’t know how to do any of the high tech stuff.

8. How would you describe yourself as a person?

-I am shy, but I like having fun and hanging out with my friends.