Category Archives: Philosophy

Grading and Grading Systems

I think the question that some people are trying to ask but
haven’t quite done so is, “How much should performance on one topic
affect the grade for the entire course?” Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged | Leave a comment

Inquiry is Not “One Size Fits All”

Inquiry is most definitely not a “one size fits all” paradigm.  Teachers can and should adjust the level of scaffolding based on the academic abilities and experience of the class.  I do this all the time. +4-1

Posted in Philosophy, Science | Tagged | Leave a comment

Reading Comprehension, Math, Science, and History: Related Skills

About a week ago, I was talking with a colleague who teaches history. (I teach my honors physics class in his classroom, so he is often working at his desk while I teach the class.) After my class was over … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Video Game Approach to Learning

On 3/18/2011 9:36 AM, Stanley Latesky wrote: If only someone would develop a video game approach to learning, the majority of our new generation of students would initially be excited about attending class. In my own way, I’ve done this, … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Fault” Is a Swear Word

In my classroom, “fault” is a swear word. I don’t let my students use the words “fault” or “blame” because assessing blame takes up time and effort and doesn’t solve anything. +3-3

Posted in Administrivia, Philosophy | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Helping Teenagers to Be Nice

One of the legacies from my mom is that I try to be unfailingly positive with my students, and I encourage and expect the same from them. I have a set of classroom signs that I post all around the … Continue reading

Posted in Anecdotes, Philosophy | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Case for Retakes

On the AP-Chem listserv, Adrian Dingle remarked: “I prefer pilots that ‘pass’ the test EVERY time they attempt to land an aircraft, not the second time they try.” Personally, I’d rather fly with a pilot who has had problems and … Continue reading

Posted in Administrivia, Philosophy | Tagged , | Leave a comment

An Argument Against Heterogeneous Grouping

In my experience, kids want to be in classes that move at their pace, including the low-level kids. +5-1

Posted in Challenges & Frustrations, Philosophy | Tagged , | Leave a comment

No, Really, You CAN Get There From Here

One of the things I find myself saying often about teaching and motivating students is that the biggest single factor I’ve found is the extent to which the kids see a possible path to success. No matter how easy it … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged | Leave a comment

My “Challenging” Class Comes of Age?

I think I may have finally reached my “challenging” class. +2-3

Posted in Anecdotes, Philosophy | Tagged , | Leave a comment