What I have learned...

It is hard to believe that this semester is coming to a close. It seems like only yesterday, we were sitting in our first class listening to Dr. Kist review the syllabus and discuss the expectations of the course. Many students, including myself, were quite overwhelmed at the beginning of the class. However, like all dedicated, competent scholars and researchers, we persevered.

This class truly introduced me to the often neglected "R"-writing. As a literacy educator, I have focused much of my attention on reading, my true love and passion. However, I now truly value writing, as well. I see the need to devote more time to teaching about writing and how to teach writing with my undergraduate students. Reading and writing are so intertwined, yet often taught as two separate entities. It is time for the silenced "R" to be heard.

I would like to thank my peers for sharing their numerous lines of inquiry. I learned so much about inference in writing, new literacies, multigenre writing, reflective writing, writing circles, ELL students, African American identities and writing, a/r/tography, and writing as healing with LGBTQ students. Our interests are varied, yet connected by the art of writing and the desire to engage our learners in authentic, collaborative, and meaningful reading and writing assignments.

Dr. Kist, thank you for an informative, interactive, and resourceful semester. The knowledge and understanding I gained as a result of this class is invaluable.