Those of us who grew up in the 80's might recognize the lyrics of that song (minus blogs as it should read boys). Great song. Brings back fond party memories, but on a more serious note, Blogging may actually hold the key to engaging our students, and in particular our boys. Goodness knows, (as do their parents) that they could use a hand, a helping one at that in their literacy development as so much hinges on it.
I know I might be preaching to the choir but the real benefit of blogging lies in the plethora of topics that they could personally select from. Imagine if someone's interest lies in something such as aquarium fish rearing, they could set up a blog that they would have to make posts to and comment on. And all this done in words! How more literacy accommodating could it be?
A study out of Jamaica done by Warrican, entitled 'Hard Words', revealed that student engagement in reading at the school under study was significantly reduced when their choice of reading material was discarded in entirety by the librarian who thought adventure stories, fantasy and horror genres like 'Goosebumps" were inappropriate. Shelves were then restocked with what the librarian thought was proper reading material. Thus unempowerment(?) in choice of reading material has significant impact on time spent in reading. Blogs allow students to choose topics. If they have empowerment in choice then they will be motivated. If they are motivated, they will be engaged. And the benefits are endless. So let's hear it for the blogs and let's give the boys (and girls) a chance.
Nisha
ReplyDeleteYou expressed the sentiments truthfully. My essay was on blogs as a tool to motivate students. In my preparatory readings I was happy to see that findings are showing that technology might be THE WAY to treat with unmotivated students and sadly we know that the boys are in that majority.
So i am in total agreement with you...blogging can be the way to give the boys a chance at succeeding!