Reflecting on Freshman Composition Courses: Lessons for Educators and Students Alike
As an instructor preparing to lead my very first English 101 class, I find myself reflecting on past experiences—both my own and those shared by students—to shape a more meaningful and effective learning environment. My own journey through this foundational course was marred by chaos and inconsistency.
Back in 2012, during my first semester of college, I encountered an English course that left little impression—mostly because it was unorganized and poorly staffed. The university faced a shortage of qualified English professors and, on short notice, assigned a Spanish composition instructor with little to no experience teaching English at the collegiate level. To make matters worse, the instructor openly admitted on our first day that he was unsure about what he was doing. Combine that with other factors—my age, inexperience, and a tendency to be distracted—resulted in my failing the course.
Now, as I step into the role of instructor, I am determined to create a learning experience that is engaging, relevant, and supportive. My focus is on fostering critical thinking, equipping students with skills to analyze media relevant to their daily lives, and teaching essay writing in a manner that reduces stress and promotes confidence.
I believe that sharing insights from students who have navigated similar courses can be invaluable. What components of your freshman composition classes worked well? Which aspects did you find unhelpful or frustrating? Are there things you wish had been different? Additionally, I’m curious about how students are handling emerging challenges, such as the use of AI tools for writing—what could instructors do to address or mitigate this trend?
Your feedback is incredibly important as I aim to offer a course that not only meets academic standards but also resonates with students’ real-world experiences. With the soaring costs of education, no student should feel like they’re wasting their money or that their instructor is merely going through the motions.
Thank you in advance for sharing your perspectives—they will help shape a more meaningful and impactful first-year writing experience for future students.