Contact: Kathleen Foster
Ashland University Public Relations Student
Email: kfoster6@ashland.edu
Young and Eager to Explore the World of Literacy, Language, and Writing at Ashland University
By Kathleen Foster
Ashland, Ohio – November 26, 2017
On November 6, 2017, Ashland University held its 32nd annual English Department high school workshop. Students from various high schools came together to appreciate and absorb the complications and pleasures of language, literature, and writing. Presentations and workshops were held throughout the day, closing with a tour of Ashland’s campus.
Six workshops were held in the John C. Myers Convocation Center. Each lecture was introduced and instructed by experts on that topic. Presentations focused on topics taught within the English department. Subjects ranged from short story examinations, extensive questioning of poems, understanding complex and moral questions in a story, and an introduction to the foundations of satire.
Six workshops were held in the John C. Myers Convocation Center. Each lecture was introduced and instructed by experts on that topic. Presentations focused on topics taught within the English department. Subjects ranged from short story examinations, extensive questioning of poems, understanding complex and moral questions in a story, and an introduction to the foundations of satire.
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High
school students preparing for the Satire:
Techniques and Traditions workshop
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A workshop presentation held by Dr. Hilary Donatini introduced students to the foundation of satirical techniques. Dr. Donatini explained that the workshop benefits the community by “serving not only as a recruitment event for high school teachers and students, it also gives the individuals new perspectives on literacy. We are drawing students from a 100-mile radius, bringing them to Ashland University to educate them and let them explore what the campus has to offer.”
Dr. Donatini is the Associate Professor and Chair of the English Department. In her presentation, she introduced contexts from an excerpt of Gulliver’s Travels and connected it with satirical terminology. Students were given study questions to stay connected throughout the workshop.
This workshop strongly benefits Ashland University as well as the Ashland community. Bringing in Ohio students from around the state gives them the chance to experience a community that is close to home yet different and unique in many ways. The event introduces the students to the community and campus, potentially sparking an interest in attending Ashland University in the future. Bringing students to Ashland who are passionate about education and eager to learn are beneficial qualities. Ashland University and Ashland as a community should continuously be searching for these assets in students to better the community. The community will benefit from having successful students, residents, and potential workers in the near future.
Sophomore students from Wadsworth High School described the future benefits of visiting the workshops and Ashland University in various ways. “It gives us the chance to be introduced to a higher level of thinking,” said Aniya Harris. Ann Wolfinger said, “visits and workshops like this help us get into the college mindset.” Other students specifically spoke about the benefits of the workshops. “Workshops and experiences like this teach us how to critically think,” said Jena Lambright. Sarah Scobee explained that the workshops “help us create new ways to answer and study critical questions in literature, language, and writing.”
Students attending the workshops all have at least one characteristic in common, their enjoyment and appreciation for literacy, language, and writing. The workshops and presentations all cover separate topics, yet all have the same goal of educating students in their interests. The event is not required for students. They only attend if they want to. Since the high schoolers are allowed to make their own decision on what presentations to attend, they seem to be more engaged and enjoy the experience. It also makes the event more successful with students interacting and focusing during the presentations.
Events like the Annual High School Workshop prepares students for the future. It helps them create a sense of comfort in their academics and provides a better understanding of the college atmosphere. Students from multiple schools having the opportunity to gather, socialize, and share similar interests are of great importance.
Ashland University continuously expresses the importance of “accent on the individual” and it was no different for this event. Students were permitted to choose what workshops they found interest in, which seems to be a major reason as to why it is still so successful after thirty-two years running.
For additional information on this event and future high school workshops, contact the Ashland University English Department.
Dr. Donatini is the Associate Professor and Chair of the English Department. In her presentation, she introduced contexts from an excerpt of Gulliver’s Travels and connected it with satirical terminology. Students were given study questions to stay connected throughout the workshop.
This workshop strongly benefits Ashland University as well as the Ashland community. Bringing in Ohio students from around the state gives them the chance to experience a community that is close to home yet different and unique in many ways. The event introduces the students to the community and campus, potentially sparking an interest in attending Ashland University in the future. Bringing students to Ashland who are passionate about education and eager to learn are beneficial qualities. Ashland University and Ashland as a community should continuously be searching for these assets in students to better the community. The community will benefit from having successful students, residents, and potential workers in the near future.
Sophomore students from Wadsworth High School described the future benefits of visiting the workshops and Ashland University in various ways. “It gives us the chance to be introduced to a higher level of thinking,” said Aniya Harris. Ann Wolfinger said, “visits and workshops like this help us get into the college mindset.” Other students specifically spoke about the benefits of the workshops. “Workshops and experiences like this teach us how to critically think,” said Jena Lambright. Sarah Scobee explained that the workshops “help us create new ways to answer and study critical questions in literature, language, and writing.”
Students attending the workshops all have at least one characteristic in common, their enjoyment and appreciation for literacy, language, and writing. The workshops and presentations all cover separate topics, yet all have the same goal of educating students in their interests. The event is not required for students. They only attend if they want to. Since the high schoolers are allowed to make their own decision on what presentations to attend, they seem to be more engaged and enjoy the experience. It also makes the event more successful with students interacting and focusing during the presentations.
Events like the Annual High School Workshop prepares students for the future. It helps them create a sense of comfort in their academics and provides a better understanding of the college atmosphere. Students from multiple schools having the opportunity to gather, socialize, and share similar interests are of great importance.
Ashland University continuously expresses the importance of “accent on the individual” and it was no different for this event. Students were permitted to choose what workshops they found interest in, which seems to be a major reason as to why it is still so successful after thirty-two years running.
For additional information on this event and future high school workshops, contact the Ashland University English Department.
