For my magazine cover, I decided to portray my suspicions of the common core in its implementation. I chose images that portray frustration in the classroom in order to show the reader that the articles will focus on some of the more struggle-related aspects of common core. I placed the words "common core" around the head of the man in the main image in order to show the topic of this issue. I believe that the words, with their placement surround the man's head, show that the common core is the source of his frustration.
There are three main articles listed here, and as such I wanted to try and convey three main points:
1. I think that the implementation of common core evaluations for teachers is not being handled properly. I think there should be a grace period during the implementation of the common core where teachers don't have to stress over their assessment and how they are being rated. This is part of the reason why I chose the frustrated teachers for images.
2. I'm worried about the level of training and/or communication teachers will receive on how to properly handle lessons and learning standards in the classroom. I'm not sure it will be done efficiently, which could mean poor or longer lessons. I think that if teachers are frustrated over being uncertain of how to teach their required standards, it could lead to a poorer classroom environment, less time for the teacher, and negative feelings towards the common core.
3. I'm also concerned that students are going to be caught in the transition, both in the classroom but also in the arguments being tossed around by both sides of the common core. I chose this student working on a paper because the students are really just doing what they are told and have no choice but to bend to the system. If we constantly change, modify, or tweak the system over the next few years, how is that going to affect the current generation of students that will be forced to adhere to the changes?
For media language techniques, I used interrogatives (I asked questions that could cause worry), declaratives (this is what will happen), and teasers (is the world going to end? Stay tuned to find out!). I wanted readers to understand the stance of the piece, know the topics that are covered, and to be gripped emotionally to discover more information.
For persuasion techniques, here is how I feel things added up:
1. Experts (sounds like it is coming straight from teachers)
2. Fear (These things sound bad. I don't like bad things)
3. Intensity (I chose the images for an express purpose)
4. Plain folks (regular-looking teachers and student)
5. Euphemism (I use worst like "lost" "rob" and "collapse")
6. Extrapolation (I suppose I'm drawing from little evidence)
7. Slippery Slope (The sky is falling!)
8. Symbols (Sadness people make sad people)
9. Timing (Common core is a hot topic)
Describe the text. What do you see?
ReplyDelete~For the text I see negative connection using bold words and phrases such as: crime, rob, "make the cut", lost… Since these words are connected to the "Voice of Education" as a buyer of the magazine I would have to make the connection that Common Core is dangerous in education.
Explain the subtext (your interpretation of the text).
~The images are of very distressed students and teachers in the classroom. They are real individuals which adds emotional appeal towards the magazine's intent. This combined with the words of despair above further the persuasion for me that Common Core is a serious threat.
Corey, I love the way you put together your magazine cover. I can most definitely see your point of view within the text and subtext - children will be left behind, teacher's are doomed due to the evaluations, and all creativity will be sucked dry.
The look of your magazine cover is well put together. The only thing is that the shadow on the top right makes some of the text hard to read. The images on the cover does not make me feel like common core will be a good thing and will cripple not only the students, but the teachers as well. It is not stated in the texts that it will in fact cripple education, but instead makes me question the common core. The text asks a lot of questions about the effect the common core will have, but doesn't give any direct answers. This does make me want to open the magazine and see what it has to say about the common core though, which is the main job of a magazine. Good job on the cover!
ReplyDeleteI see a chalkboard clip in background of title of magazine, frustrated male teacher sitting at his desk clearly deep in grading and feeling overworked and underpaid. Another image shows a more seasoned male teacher with his head flush against his chalkboard, clearly also in a fit of frustration. The last image is an African American boy with his head on his desk, reading what appears to be a standardized test. He looks lost and at the verge of giving up. The barcode and issue are present. Sample articles include the words failure, crime and making the cut. Clearly the magazine cover portrays a sense of despair.
ReplyDeleteYou took a unique approach overlapping your imagery, I like it. I am a bit concerned as a viewer that you chose to highlight “men” only in your cover, but it does not offend me, just something I observed. I like that “Common Core” is broken up by the teacher’s head. This gives the illusion that it is what he is thinking or what is giving him cause for this state of mind. The titles of your articles lead one to believe that this periodical is serious and going to get down to some hot-button issues. I live the seriousness of it for sure. I have similar concerns with Common Core and I’m glad to not be alone in my worrying. I like your magazine titled “Teacher’s Lounge,” it suggests that you are going to uncover more exclusive perspectives from educators, which gives the viewer interest. Nicely done!
Corey, I can tell you put a lot of work into this magazine cover. It looks great! I see lots of images that communicate your skepticism of the common core implementation - the frustrated man who is obviously thinking about the common core, the lost-looking student, the other frustrated man with his head on the board - all tell me that this is a frustrating topic! Your headlines also convey that doubtful tone of frustration. I also like that this publication seems to be directed toward teachers only. Teachers need to know they are not alone in the current events that affect their profession.
ReplyDeleteInteresting magazine cover and a great depiction of the suspicions that many educators have about the common core. The large bolded headings, Assessing Failure, and the Crime of Time, with the subheadings below them lead the reader to question the common core and how it will affect our students. I loved the photos that you chose, of the frustrated teachers and of the child that looks totally confused. Great job!
ReplyDelete