In past years, the CWRL and the Division of Rhetoric and Writing have developed tools that allow for collaborative teaching. By encouraging instructors to share assignment ideas, the lab and the division have embraced the idea that pedagogy should always be reflexive. In keeping with this tradition, instructors in the DRW have developed a new blog called "Blogging Pedagogy" in which teachers can share ideas and assignments.

"Blogging Pedagogy" is similar to the assignment database that the DRW has maintained for many years (the "Blue File" system), but the blog format also adds to this model. The new blog allows for more conversation about both assignments and broad pedagogical issues. In addition, it allows instructors to share ideas in narrative form, giving the assignment a more situated feel. Assignments can now be presented as part of a teaching philosophy, and this gives instructors a better sense of how an assignment or in-class activity might work (or not work) in their own classroom. Users posting to the blog are participating in a community text while also developing a small archive of their own teaching progress (each post is part of both the community blog and a user's individual blog). This allows for both peer review of assignments and personal reflection about teaching.

"Blogging Pedagogy" also offers a more general space for instructors to share their thoughts, successes, failures and frustrations about teaching. The blog is password protected so that professors and Assistant Instructors can be candid and open. Those interested in joining the blog can register for an account - accounts are authenticated by system administrators. Once an account is authenticated, users can view and post content.

[Photo credit: Kais0r at Flickr.com]