Groups decide on magazine contents
Planning a magazine depends on determining the demographics and aligning the readers in the demographic target with the formula. In this case, we looked at a formula of participatory sports, health issues, celebrity interview, personal finance and fashion.The three groups were: men and woman 18-25, kids from 8 to 13 and seniors 50 and above.
Then, the groups named their magazine, wrote titles and decided on sidebars.
We looked at a book for freelance writers called "Writer's Market," and we talked about the query letter. Part of the learning experience from this class was to work with a group and in a group. Prospective employers — regardless of the career field — want people who can contribute ideas and listen to other workers' ideas with an open mind. I see too much reticence (not revealing one's thoughts or feelings) in these classes. Usually the group leader emerges when the other group members allow it. The emerging leader asks the others for input — which is good. But when group members clam up and lose interest, the dynamics disappear. Group work requires concentration on the task at hand.
A word about note-taking: Even if the material is available online, a student still can benefit from taking notes in class. Maybe the professor will give an interesting example (we hope) that isn't in the online information or in the text. Or, maybe an ad hoc side discussion happened which could help in understanding concepts.
Addition to this from an Intro class taught by a former student, Teresa Talerico, who teaches now at San Antonio College. Two students' cover designs and their target audiences. Clever and fun -- right on target. Bravo!
