I have taught formal composition, appreciation of literature (including Shakespeare), reading comprehension, and ESL writing to college students. I like to work in a way that draws upon students' efforts and accomplishments, supports their strengths, and helps them to learn skills or material that seems less well understood. I am sometimes demanding. Failure to do work requires a very good excuse. On the other hand, I believe in offering full explanations and in reiterating things when necessary. I believe that learning involves experimenting, especially in creative endeavors like reading and writing, and experimenting involves some learning from one's mistakes. To be sure, there are issues of structuring thought and phrasing expressions in writing and general discourse that must be memorized if students have not acquired them otherwise. Also students must practice certain skills, including proper usage.
In general, I appreciate and enjoy working with interested students. It is my pleasure to help people to become more capable.
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