Okay, I feel like all I ever do around here (at least lately) is ask for help. But I'm gonna do it again! Those of you who teach journalism courses, especially newspaper production, I want to know:
HOW DO YOU DO IT?
Specifically, how do you get your first issue out in any sort of timely fashion? We're WELL into the second week of school, and my stinkin' class has a revolving door, I swear. Plus it makes getting student input on our articles difficult - since the schedules are changing from day to day, it's difficult to track anyone down, particularly because the office staff doesn't want to print a copy of the student schedule book for us until things are SOMEWHAT in order.
And now - half of my class is completely new and missed all the introductory stuff that I started in on last week. And half of my staff has been through it. I mean, I can send the older-noobs out on assignment and teach the SUPER-new noobs. It's just annoying.
I've also got like a WEEK'S turnaround time on printing. I feel like our stories will not EVER POSSIBLY be timely. 
Images thanks to http://printisdeadblog.com/ and http://rattler-radio.blogspot.com/
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2 comments:
You do what you can, with those you have. But just remember - teaching newspaper writing is not rocket science. Most of it is better taught in practice than in theory anyway. So get them writing and excited about it and then work in a lesson a week on leads, transition phrases, AP Style, etc. If you have experienced students - get them to peer edit and help those who need it. That's why they are "editors" and get paid (not!) the big bucks.
I just started my first year of teaching journalism/advising yearbook and newspaper and right now I'm asking myself the same thing! I set up my staffs from the beginning in a student-centered, editor-run hierarchy/system so apart from answering questions, giving advice, etc. my most common answer is: "it's your paper/book!"
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