Category: Uncategorized
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Reflections on a debate of teacher-leaders: does more tech in schools => more learning?
In order to develop teacher-leaders who feel confident discussing the implications of implementing technology in schools, the Master of Teacher Leadership program at Elmhurst College with which I have been privileged to work this summer undertook a debate yesterday. As teacher-leaders, the candidates are going to have plenty of occasion to stand up and speak…
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Book Review–Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle: a primer on the technology of religion and other technological musings
One of the delights of older age is being able to re-read books you remember fondly from youth; these books hang on high shelves of honor in your memory, but since it has been decades since you dipped into them, you have only the vaguest recollection of why it is a quality book. Sometimes the…
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Provocative claims vs. "no zeroes" policy
In many US schools, the traditional numerical grade scale has been changed so that the grade and motivation-killing zero is eliminated. This Cracked.com piece on the “5 Biggest Pussifications of Schools” lists this grading policy as its number five coddler, responsible for creating pussilanimous, unprepared young adults. Ian Fortey made me LoL with these politically…
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Book Review: The Elegance of the Hedgehog, or Equipping your Anti-absurdity Toolbox
I really enjoyed Muriel Barbery’s The Elegance of the Hedgehog (2006, translated by Alison Anderson), which my sisters recommended, and which I listened to through Audible. A francophile, language-lover, or anyone who likes to ponder the technology of art and literature will find much in this enchanting story, the joint narrative of a Parisian consierge and a 12-year…
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PBL takes over a public high school => Success!
Although I’ve only just become aware of this school, the idea that all students will be working in teams with protocols in all subject areas is extremely exciting. No longer will the project team be the occasional learning experience in PE, science, or history. As a regular way of learning, the kids at Manor New…
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Film Review: Le Gamin au Vélo (Kid on a Bike)
I really enjoyed this simple film set in Wallonia for what it implied about the society in which it is set, modern-day Belgium. The story suggests that while human disfunction is universal, the response a society has to it can be more or less rational and effective. The Belgians have it pretty rational, and everything…
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This is your classic on Twitter
A fun new way of using Twitter in English class was started last week by @Thenerdyteacher, Nicholas Provenzano of Michigan, who came up with a Twitter ID (@realtimegatsby) to go along with his class’ reading of the 1925 classic of American literature. I love the way he is able to use modern communication tools to…
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Seeing red from seeing PINK
Over the last several years, anyone in an American public high school will have noticed the ascendance of one fashion brand among teenage girls: the “PINK” brand. I do not have statistics, but based on my experience (daily attendance) I would guess that among American girls 14-18, it must be the most popular, a regrettable…
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My first attempts at "flipped" lessons
Are here. I’m aware of some of their shortcomings: the rather bland visuals, the lack of music and the possibly overly long exposition. However, I invite readers to give feedback, especially those of you who are connoisseurs of good flipped lessons. How would you critique my efforts so that I produce better content next time…
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When is a work week too long?
thanks to Monique Morrissey at the Economic Policy Institute for this graphic I have blogged previously about the enormous number of hours required to proficiently teach high school English. Teens demand a lot of instruction and feedback to become better users of language. My school day typically starts at 6:30 am when I arrive at the building…
The Wikiness 