My opinion? I do not think the actual discussions are necessary. I do however, think that the note taking process is a vital skill that we can use in the future. But the actual fishbowl discussions do not teach us any important skills. To me, it seems almost like an episode of the View: everyone is fighting over the other to put in their own two cents. Everyone is so focused on trying to get marks or thinking of what point they are going to make next, that no one is truly concentrating on what's being said by the other members of the group. And because of this, points often get repeated, making it hard to contribute something important to the discussion.
The worst part of all of it is the criteria we have to meet. Such as how we have to invite someone else into the discussion. It makes the discussion feel mechanic and forced. In day to day conversations we do not randomly turn to the person beside us and ask "do you have anything you want to add?" or "what is your opinion on the matter?"And if you have the misfortune of being invited into the conversation, you are put on the spot - so you better have something important to say! Otherwise, its just awkward. Also, when everyone is fighting to have their voice heard, how is it possible to invite someone else in when you, yourself are being cut off? And, when you're frantically grasping at words to make a valid point, why are we expected to make an analogy? And five analogies at that.
Don't get me wrong I do not hate fishbowls - hate is too strong a word for me. Strongly dislike. They just do not seem necessary to me. I know that it is useful to take notes, that part I understand. But why all the criteria? It all seems too forced to me. It would be better (and more effective) if they were small, casual discussions like we do here in Writer's Craft.
On top of all this is the awkward situation that it is by itself. It can be very difficult to feel confident about your personal beliefs and opinions when the rest of the class is surrounding you: staring at you like a goldfish.
And I am not a goldfish.
"To me, it seems almost like an episode of the View: everyone is fighting over the other to put in their own two cents."
ReplyDeleteI love this line! This is a very strong comparison that effectively supported your idea of a sort of 'formal, organized chaos.' I always feel as though everything is so forced, nobody is really listening and taking in what others are saying because, as you also cleverly stated, "Everyone is so focused on trying to get marks or thinking of what point they are going to make next".
Your matter-of-fact tone is not at all angry or aggressive, which is what i believe makes this post/your ideas respectable and appreciated by students and teachers alike.
You clearly expressed your opinions and supported them with facts and proceedings regarding fishbowls. This also made your work effective.
"And I am not a goldfish."
I don't really have anything else to say other than the fact that i absolutely love, love, LOVE this ending! :)
As opposed to most rants about school assignments or routines, this is not a rant at all. There is a definite tone, which I personally can appreciate (I don't enjoy the forced "natural conversation" that is expected from fish bowls) however the tone is not too harsh and forceful that it scared the reader!haha. It is a great mix between a casual tone, and a clear strong opinion.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that it was effective how you clearly stated your point in a very definitive tone yet still made it casual. Instead of ramming it down everyones throat and saying fishbowls were a stupid waste of time you actually reasoned with the reader in an effective way.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Diana about loooving that last line. So cute.
I agree with the others, you expressed your point in a polite manner, without shoving in down the readers thoat.
ReplyDeleteAnd i have to agree with diana... i loved the last line. <3