English Essentials

Grammar (Ep. 17): The Dangers of (Mis)Modifying!

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:43:23 -0400

Be careful to modify correctly! In this episode, learn about the dangers of misplaced modifyers.

Grammar (Ep. 16): Modifying Phrases

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:41:21 -0400

Make use of powerful modifying phrases to enhance your writing in this episode.

Grammar (Ep. 15): Using Adverbs

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:39:25 -0400

This episode focuses on the effective use of adverbs in your sentences.

Grammar (Ep. 14): Using Adjectives

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:38:12 -0400

Explore how to enhance your sentences through adjectives in this episode.

Grammar (Ep. 13): What Does it Mean to Modify?

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:35:50 -0400

This episode explores the concept of modification and how to use that to enhance your writing.

Grammar (Ep. 12): Pronoun Agreement in Case

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:34:21 -0400

Learn about pronoun agreement in case in this episode.

Grammar (Ep. 11): Pronoun Agreement in Number

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:33:26 -0400

This episode explores pronoun agreement in number.

Grammar (Ep. 10): Behold, the Semi-Colon!

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:30:58 -0400

The semi-colon is a powerful tool. In this episode, learn how to harness the power of the semi-colon.

Grammar (Ep. 9): Three Simple Comma Rules

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:29:53 -0400

This episode will answer the mystery of where commas can be placed in a sentence.

Grammar (Ep. 8): Essential and Non-Essential Phrases

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:28:23 -0400

This episode gives an overview of essential and non-essential phrases in a sentence.

Grammar (Ep. 7): Simple Sentence Examples

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:26:00 -0400

This episode reviews more examples based on the simple sentence formula.

Grammar (Ep. 6): The Simple Sentence (SVO)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:24:00 -0400

The simple sentence is the most basic building block of the English language. Check out details of these three simple pieces in this episode.

Grammar (Ep. 5): All About Gerunds

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:21:59 -0400

This episode defines gerunds and explains their role in your writing.

Grammar (Ep. 4): Subject Verb Agreement

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:20:54 -0400

Learn how to ensure your subjects and verbs agree in this episode.

Grammar (Ep. 3): Verb Tenses

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:17:28 -0400

Get to know the most common verb tenses and how they function in a sentence.

Grammar (Ep. 2): Types of Verbs

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:16:25 -0400

This episode showcases the most common types of verbs.

Grammar (Ep. 1): How Students Feel About Grammar

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:14:40 -0400

English grammar makes us all feel a certain way. Listen to how real students feel about grammar.

Writing (Ep. 24): The Final Creative Project

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:12:57 -0400

Conclude this level of writing with a project that asks you to create some new writing, some revised writing, and a creative piece.

Writing (Ep. 23): Live Feedback of Student Examples of Local Community Argument Essay Examples

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:10:58 -0400

Take a look at student examples of the local community argument essay, along with feedback and comments.

Writing (Ep. 22): The Local Community Argument Essay Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:08:32 -0400

This episode offers an overview of the local community argument essay assignment.

Writing (Ep. 21): Letters to the Editor

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:07:17 -0400

A common place to find arguments is in the letter to the editors section in newspapers. Let's take a look in this episode.

Writing (Ep. 20): Making an Argument

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:05:06 -0400

This episode highlights the steps to making an effective and powerful argument.

Writing (Ep. 19): Looking at Communities

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:04:09 -0400

This episode examines the importance of understanding the communities in which we reside.

Writing (Ep. 18): Cause & Effect

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:02:22 -0400

This episode gives an overview of the concept of cause and effect and how it can lead to uncovering problems.

Writing (Ep. 17): Live Feedback of Student Research Assignment Examples

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:57:49 -0400

This episode showcases several student examples of the research assignment.

Writing (Ep. 16): The Research Project Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:55:11 -0400

Take a different approach to research in this assignment.

Writing (Ep. 15): Citation Hints

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:53:52 -0400

Citing sources can be intimidating. Check this episode out for hints on citation.

Writing (Ep. 14): Writing Research Questions

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:52:36 -0400

Writing a clear research question is one way to improve your research assignment and process. Learn more in this episode.

Writing (Ep. 13): Your Position as a Researcher

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:50:39 -0400

Research is an active, dynamic process and this episode highlights the important position you take when engaging in the research process.

Writing (Ep. 12): Live Feedback of Student Comparison Essay Examples

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:48:18 -0400

Take a look at live feedback on several comparison essays in this episode.

Writing (Ep. 11): The Comparison Essay Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:46:28 -0400

Now that you've explored the different discourses in the English language and are able to write clear definitions, you are ready for your comparison essay assignment.

Writing (Ep. 10): Writing Definitions

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:44:48 -0400

Definitions can be complicated. This episode will introduce you to different considerations you must account for when writing a definition of a concept.

Writing (Ep. 9): Points of Comparison

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:42:40 -0400

When making a comparison, a useful way to organize your thoughts is by using the points of comparison method, which you will see in this episode.

Writing (Ep. 8): Different Discourses in the English Language

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:41:14 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the variety of discourses in the English language.

Writing (Ep. 7): Live Feedback of Student Personal Narrative Essay Examples

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:37:46 -0400

Check out real student examples of the personal narrative essay, along with feedback and comments, in this episode.

Writing (Ep. 6): The Personal Narrative Essay Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:36:10 -0400

Time for your first writing assignment at this level: the personal narrative essay.

Writing (Ep. 5): Conflict!

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:34:15 -0400

At the heart of any good story is a compelling conflict. This episode will explore how to use conflict to propel your storytelling forward.

Writing (Ep. 4): The Art of Storytelling

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:33:04 -0400

A common writing assignment at this level is the narrative essay. This episode will introduce you to the art and appeal of storytelling.

Writing (Ep. 3): All About Thesis Statements

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:31:03 -0400

Thesis statements are vital to your essay and this episode demonstrates how to use them to your advantage.

Writing (Ep. 2): Using the Funnel to Write Introductions

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:29:39 -0400

This episode makes use of a funnel technique when creating essay introductions, ensuring your audience will hooked and will know what the essay is about.

Writing (Ep. 1): Writing is a Process

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:28:02 -0400

In this episode, learn a bit more about the writing process and how to implement your own.

Composition (Ep. 22): The Final Creative Project

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:03:30 -0400

In this episode, you will begin work on a final creative project that helps you reflect on your experiences in this course.

Composition (Ep. 21.2): Live Feedback on Student Solution Argument Essay Examples (SD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:02:16 -0400

Get a closer look at the solution argument essay through these real student examples, complete with live feedback and comments. Standard definition video.

Composition (Ep. 21.1): Live Feedback on Student Solution Argument Essay Examples (HD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:00:48 -0400

Get a closer look at the solution argument essay through these real student examples, complete with live feedback and comments. High definition video.

Composition (Ep. 20): The Solution Argument Essay Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:43:01 -0400

This episode will highlight the solution argument essay assignment.

Composition (Ep. 19): Going Deeper with Solution Development

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:42:00 -0400

This episode showcases a tool to assist you in developing deeper and meaningful solutions.

Composition (Ep. 18): Arguing a Solution

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:53:34 -0400

It is time to solve your problem. This episode will guide you through the process of creating an effective argument.

Composition (Ep. 17.2): Live Feedback on Student Problem Analysis Essay Examples (SD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:34:56 -0400

Use live feedback on real student examples of the problem analysis essay to inspire and guide your writing in this episode. Standard definition video.

Composition (Ep. 17.1): Live Feedback on Student Problem Analysis Essay Examples (HD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:33:44 -0400

Use live feedback on real student examples of the problem analysis essay to inspire and guide your writing in this episode. High definition video.

Composition (Ep. 16): The Problem Analysis Essay Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:28:24 -0400

Now that you have identified a problem, it is time to write an analysis. This episode will showcase the assignment details.

Composition (Ep. 15): Fact-Check Your World

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:19:58 -0400

In this episode, you will use a tool to help you fact-check the world around you, locating important problems, and working towards a solution.

Composition (Ep. 14): Going Deeper with Problem Identification

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:17:46 -0400

Take your problem analysis a bit deeper in this episode with a useful tool.

Composition (Ep. 13): Analyzing Problems Around Us

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:16:30 -0400

Analyzing problems (and eventually working towards solutions) is an important part of being an active writer, community member, and citizen. This episode will guide you in the process of making sense of problems around you.

Composition (Ep. 12): All Things Research

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:14:07 -0400

Research is an invaluable skill. This episode will orient you to how to approach research, developing research questions, and setting yourself up for a fulfilling research experience.

Composition (Ep. 11.2): Live Feedback on Student Narrative Essay Examples (SD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:11:46 -0400

This episode includes several real student narrative essay with live feedback and comments. Use these examples to help guide your own narrative writing. Standard definition video.

Composition (Ep. 11.1): Live Feedback on Student Narrative Essay Examples (HD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:10:44 -0400

This episode includes several real student narrative essay with live feedback and comments. Use these examples to help guide your own narrative writing. High definition video.

Composition (Ep. 10): The Narrative Essay Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:06:15 -0400

In this episode you will start writing your own narrative essay.

Composition (Ep. 9): Conflict is All About Change

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:03:16 -0400

Conflict is at the heart of any good narrative and this episode will show you a few types of conflict that can propel your narratives forward.

Composition (Ep. 8): Narrative Writing

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:02:00 -0400

Narrative writing and storytelling may just be the oldest form of human communication. In this post you will learn how to harness the power of narrative writing to convey rich meaning to your audience.

Composition (Ep. 7.2): Live Feedback on Student Exploratory Essay Examples (SD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:58:00 -0400

In this episode, you will see several real student examples of the exploratory essay and my thoughts and feedback on each. Use these to guide your writing. Standard definition video.

Composition (Ep. 7.1): Live Feedback on Student Exploratory Essay Examples (HD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:38:00 -0400

In this episode, you will see several real student examples of the exploratory essay and my thoughts and feedback on each. Use these to guide your writing. High definition video.

Composition (Ep. 6): The Exploratory Essay Assignment

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:35:32 -0400

Now that you have a solid understanding of the exploratory process, try your hand at writing an exploratory essay. In this episode, you will get an overview of the exploratory essay assignment that focuses on defining the term "culture."

Composition (Ep. 5.2): Exploratory Writing (SD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:32:00 -0400

Exploratory writing gives you an opportunity to wrestle with large, fluid topics and eventually come to a better understanding, conclusion, or definition. This episode will orient you to the process of exploration in preparation for the exploratory writing assignment. Standard definition video.

Composition (Ep. 5.1): Exploratory Writing (HD Video)

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:29:00 -0400

Composition (Ep. 4): Purpose & Audience

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:07:48 -0400

When writing, it is necessary to know your purpose and your audience. Learn how to adapt to different purposes and appeal to a variety of audiences in this episode.

Composition (Ep. 3): Writing Introductions

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:06:29 -0400

Essay introductions are an important tool to start of your essays with a bang. Learn how to hook the reader and guide them into the rest of your essay in this episode.

Composition (Ep. 2): All About Thesis Statements

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 08:55:00 -0400

In this episode, you will learn how to write compelling and effective thesis statements.

Composition (Ep. 1): A Welcome from Students

Alfred Siha, D.Ed. — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 08:46:00 -0400

In this episode, hear from real college students who have gone through the learning process with these materials.