For my research paper this semester, I have decided to expand on a paper I previously wrote for my English 220 class, Seminar in Teaching Writing. The course was based on various teaching theories and techniques, which would be applied practically as a tutor for ENG099 students at the LaGuardia Writing Center. For this course, I had to write a research paper on noted educator James Moffett and his innovative teaching techniques. As someone who is interested in becoming a professor in creative writing, I was really intrigued to learn about Moffett's theories. His ideas included a focus on meditation, open discourse and various new techniques. For his time, Moffett was considered a visionary and was opposed to the formulaic, standardized view of teaching that had shaped the educational system of the United States during the early 20th Century.
I would like to expand this paper by researching other innovative educators who utilized alternative and experimental teaching techniques. I would not limit my research to those strictly teaching in the field of writing, but open it up to at least one professor in math or natural science and one professor in the social sciences area. I would like to find books, scholarly journals and even new media such as Youtube, blogs, etc. I have already completed some preliminary research on the life and theories of Moffett. In the current draft of the paper, I already have a well organized thesis, which is that creative learning and teaching techniques will lead to greater inspiration and academic success for students.
Additionaly, I would need to organize the structure of the paper a bit differently for the purposes of this class. In my revision, I would like to add a new introduction about the struggle between formal traditional teaching styles and the New Age inspired, creativity based techniques from Moffett and those additional professors who I encounter in my new research. Then I would segue into Moffett's bio and theories. Then do the same for the other two professors I find. Finally, I would draw comparisons between all three and then write a formal conclusion supporting my thesis. I also intend to trim some of Moffett's biography, and perhaps condense the portions about his theories to allow for a fair and balanced view of the other professor’s works. I look forward to writing this paper and am very excited to begin my research. I hope to further my knowledge on the subject of experimental teaching techniques and learn more which I can put to use in my future profession.
