Good thoughts: One of the oldest problems with the left or progressive movement is our tendency to drag ourselves down through internal struggle over who has the most correct political line. We are seeing some of this dynamic emerge in the movement against high stakes testing. Perhaps it is a coming of age – a …
As summer arrives (maybe not soon enough for us teachers), we long to wear flip flops and non teacher clothes, but also maybe to flip flop some things around for the coming year. As your thinking about flipping your classroom, remember what it truly means: “Flipping the classroom” means using class time differently than you …
Why does Apple succeed is a question that businesses are asking themselves constantly. Sam’s on the right track in recognizing the note that Apple gives its employees on the first day. As I’ve heard story after story of teacher appreciation weeks, I’ve been astounded by the fact that administrators and parents think on day without …
A couple of jewel’s from A Show: No matter how life is now, it will change. Be comfortable with the not knowing. The more we deny the way this is happening all around us and the way that we are secretly feeling these things are true, the harder the pavement will be when we hit …
It’s hard for me to read a book or an article without trying to make a connection to a greater picture or concept that I have tried to teach or may have to teach in the near future. Reading for pleasure is rare for me because after teaching for 5 years, I am always reaching …
Yesterday, the president spoke on education: Whether created by parents and teachers or community and civic leaders, charter schools serve as incubators of innovation in neighborhoods across our country. These institutions give educators the freedom to cultivate new teaching models and develop creative methods to meet students’ needs. This unique flexibility is matched by strong …
It’s hard when you read this: With the rise of technology, the democratization of information, and emerging platforms that allow anyone to teach and learn anytime, anywhere, it would be easy to say that things are looking grim for thetraditional teacher (see last Friday’s post). And then you talk to teachers who are so busy setting …
Some good insights: Education obviously is the most powerful thing in the world. And yet the old Mark Twain chestnut — “I never let school get in the way of my education” — speaks to the core of my own thinking regarding education. the real learning requires lots and lots of doing,not just listening. One …
Now this is connected learning: What I really hope that they will take from this process is the ability to navigate their minds around the world in the future — to be able to recall Iran is bordered by Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq when these countries continue to influence world events over the next decade. …
Teaching isn’t about a linear train ride starting the year at one place and reaching your destination by May with station stops of assessment along the way. There are days that your students look at you and say: I don’t know that word. I’ve never seen that word. Learning is organic and dynamic and unpredictable. …
