I wanted to start the year not by talking about the course, class expectations or even much of myself. I feel that we---teachers along with students---rarely wonder what's the purpose of education. This idea was lingering in my mind all summer and I happened to see a Ken Robinson talk specifically on this topic. So, … Continue reading Purposes of Education: Ken Robinson & First Day of School
Category: Ideas & Inspiration
Purposes of a Liberal Education
A colleague just shared an article by William Cronon on the purposes of a Liberal Education. It eloquently argued what characteristics a liberally educated person should have (not what classes they should take or standards they should meet). The 10 traits Cronon identifies are: 1. They listen and they hear. 2. They read and they … Continue reading Purposes of a Liberal Education
Reflections from 2011-2012
The classrooms are empty, hallways silent and each final grade recorded. Yet, the school year feels incomplete. When I was younger and a student in school I was the type of person who was actually a little sad when school was over for the year. That student is still in my classroom. As sometimes happens, … Continue reading Reflections from 2011-2012
Reflections from 2012-2013
Dear Students, Parents and Guardians, Throughout the year teachers are constantly sharing what they know with students, learning from students and assessing what students learned. However, rarely do I find (or, more accurately, make) the time to think about and share what I learned. I want to get in the habit of doing that. So, … Continue reading Reflections from 2012-2013
Why Students Don’t Like School
Glazed eyes and drooping heads--bored students are the bane of any teacher's existence. That is why I read Daniel Willingham's book with the provocative title: Why Don't Students Like Schools? I found his suggestions for remembering and teaching skills especially fascinating. STUDENTS: What do you think of Willingham's suggestions--which of them do you think would … Continue reading Why Students Don’t Like School
8 Principles of Montessori Education
The following are notes from an excellent book by Angeline Lillard on the philosophy and practice of Montessori Education. Learning about Montessori Education made me wonder: Is Montessori Education just good educational practice that all teachers should be applying? What portions of the model should be applied to a high school setting? What are the shortcomings/downfalls … Continue reading 8 Principles of Montessori Education
An A+ Student Regrets his Grades & Finland
I just read an article, An A+ Student Regrets his Grades, that reminded me of my own schooling and reminded me what I aspire to be as an educator. The passages that resonated with me most were: "Education is not confined to the walls of a classroom; it stretches well beyond that. Valuing success above all … Continue reading An A+ Student Regrets his Grades & Finland
How can you light a fire in a classroom?
How often do we allow students to pursue their passions? How often do we let students' curiosity drive their learning? I know I have often been guilty of deciding what my students study and how they study the topics in our curriculum. That has started to change after I read Dan Pink's Drive. In his … Continue reading How can you light a fire in a classroom?
Ken Robinson on Creativity
I hope to apply his ideas through more innovative projects this semester. Specifically, I want students to pose more questions and think of more authentic ways of demonstrating their learning.
How do Children Succeed?
A constant concern I have as an educator is the fact that I can usually predict what grade a student will earn at the end of the year after just a couple weeks. Namely, I can generally identify which students have the habits necessary to succeed as the school defines it. However, this also … Continue reading How do Children Succeed?
Reflections on Teaching & Learning 