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Tag Archives: philosophy
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
“Fair” Means “Everyone Gets What They Need”
One of the signs I have posted at the front of my classroom states “Fair” means “Everyone gets what they need,” not “Everyone gets exactly the same.” I frequently have occasion to point & refer to that particular sign. +8-2
Extensions
I give extensions rather freely. My students know that they need to ask at least two days in advance (longer for major assignments), and they need to have an acceptable reason, and provide supporting documentation (which I follow up on). … Continue reading