Mindy McAdams writes about something I’ve been thinking recently:
No one learns how to do anything by sitting in a classroom and listening to a teacher. That might be a great way to get started — but the real learning is going to happen somewhere else.
That’s the summary of her post, in which she makes the case for getting out of the classroom and letting students practice what they’ve been taught.
It applies equally in the newsroom. Last weekend, I was at the Pitt News showing them how to use audio, video and a ton of online tools to enhance their storytelling. They practiced audio and video shooting and editing with hands-on examples.
But the real test comes after the workshop. You only get better by doing it. It’s a part of what Ira Glass talks about here:
So the key is to keep producing online. Wash, rinse, repeat.
on Oct 10th, 2008 at 2:22 am
absolutely true; this video is excellent!
I’ve had the same job for 2 years now, after working really hard in college media, and a bunch of internships. I went through this whole crisis of “Am I really supposed to be a journalist? Am I good enough for this?”
But Ira’s right — it takes a while, but it works out. I’m finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. In addition to getting over the “I suck so bad” phase, it’s crucial to keep constantly honing the craft, and surround yourself with like-minded people who will mentor you, and help you out.