[Stylist] Critiquing method

[Vejas Vasiliauskas]

Hi Shawn and Bridgit, 
Thank you so much for your replies. Good to know this is standard procedure. 
More than anything, I think I was just shocked by this at first, because I'm used to being able to explain on here or, in the case of other classes, work in smaller groups. But your explanation of discussing a book, Bridgit, makes sense. 
I am going to have to make some important decisions based on the critique. I was trying to make a connection which the teacher was able to spot, but that not a single one of the other students saw. 
Thanks,
>   
Vejas 
 Nov 2019, at 13:15, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Vejas,
> 
> Yes, this is standard for writing classes and workshops. There are pros and
> cons, but the idea is that writing should be clear and precise enough that
> readers can come to understandings and conclusions about the text without
> authorial interference. If the understandings/conclusions are not what the
> writer is hoping for, they either need to rewrite or consider a different
> direction. The writer is very intentionally not supposed to speak and answer
> questions for the express purpose to see if readers are on the same page (no
> pun intended) as the writer. This is usually how I run workshops and
> classes, and I've never participated in a workshop or class that did it any
> other way. However, usually a facilitator/instructor will explain the
> purpose of of this type of workshop. I'm sure if you ask your instructor to
> explan, they will.
> 
> BTW, this is similar to reading a piece from a book and discussing;
> obviously, the writer is not present to provide authorial insight. But the
> point is to analyze and find a group consensus of the text. The difference
> in a workshop is that the writer is present, and the point is for the writer
> to get a firmer grasp on their own writing.
> 
> Bridgit
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Vejas Vasiliauskas
> via Stylist
> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 2:04 PM
> To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Vejas Vasiliauskas <alpineimagination at gmail.com>
> Subject: [Stylist] Critiquing method
> 
> Hi, 
> In one of my English classes, our teacher has begun utilizing a method of
> critiquing which I have never previously heard of. 
> We are now working on 12-page short stories. Our teacher has the class read
> all of the short stories in advance. Then, in class, he has the whole class
> critique the stories as a group, except for the fact that the author is not
> allowed to participate in the discussion. For example, for my short story,
> my teacher tried to get the class to discuss it by asking questions such as
> "What was Caroline's motive?" but because I wrote it, I couldn't answer. The
> other students had to try to come up with their own conclusion.
> Has anyone experienced this method before? I can see how my teacher wants to
> have us hear from multiple perspectives, but it felt really weird for me
> that I couldn't answer/clarify/explain. 
> Thanks, 
> Vejas     
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