New Perspectives in Patterns for College Writing Toward Renewing America

New Perspectives in Patterns for College Writing is a composition of college research papers and course materials collected for the Plan B Project-a six-hour course required of M.Ed. candidates in the Education Department at the University of Hawaii. This book is neither sponsored nor endorsed by anyone associated with UH; but, is published solely because of a desire to share information proposing a more culturally-centered educational agenda. As an undergraduate major in English and former teacher, I learned that valuating the student's culture, while connecting the student to the culture of the educational system, helps to instill a more purposeful interest in one's developmental possibilities. Writing-especially auto (biographical) sketches increases focus. Introspection lends clarity to self-image, which often leads to more complex ideation concerning goals and direction. I've found that the benefits of becoming more fully acculturated are endless. Included here are footnoted papers describing various periods of America's cultural evolvement-complete with attendant effects on 'methods' of the educational system. New Perspectives reviews societal difficulties that have directly influenced our views on what constitutes a well-rounded education. Descriptive papers inform how America's multi-faceted education system provides for adaptation of innovative change. Education prepares the student to take his place in society. It is incumbent upon the educational system to institute methods and strategies which validate the individual and promote self-evaluative introspection. When a student develops skills which enhance self-image-i.e. cultural reading/writing, interviewing, cluster learning, or student team-teaching-immediately, his perspective is improved toward more definitive thinking regarding his educational goals. I hope this study will serve to inspire students, teachers, interested parties, and those charged with implementing educational objectives.