10/30/08

Today my students read the article, "Rigor Redefined" by Tony Wager. Wagner breaks down seven survival skills that will help anyone survive in the "world of work." Afterward Wagner analyzes how high school courses are preparing students for the world of work. Sadly, most of the classes he mentions are not doing anything even remotely close to preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century working environment.
Although only a handful of classes (when compared to the thousands of classes in the nation) were observed for the article, Wagner makes a correct assertion about the state of education, especially in Florida. Educators are not doing all that they can to prepare students for this "brave new world." Of course, there are many reasons why this occurs - standardized testing as measurement for funding, salaries tied to student achievement on one test, lack of parental support - but the fact of the matter is that educators can do more for their students.
I would never consider myself a great teacher (I can always improve) but I do know that I work hard to provide my students with the tools that I witness are becoming a part of the emerging world. In my quest to become a better teacher, I ask, what more can I do for you, my students? What would you like to learn? How would you like to learn it?

Right or Wrong?

As is common during an election year, television viewers see many political ads aired during prime time. This is especially true for Floridians since we are a swing state. I dislike these ads tremendously, but after watching a new one last night, I have developed a deep hatred for them.
The ad that spawned this deep hatred was the "I am Joe the plumber ad." Basically the ad was stating that we as Americans should be able to keep the money we make, not share it by paying more taxes to help those that are less fortunate. This ad was a direct attack on Obama's proposed tax increases for those making more than $250,000.
When did it become accepted to advertise being selfish? When did it become accepted to let your fellow man fall into the depths of society without a way out? If we do not offer help in the form of tax supported initiatives many of our citizens will be left behind. Is this the way to raise up a country?

Who are you?

As you read Their Eyese Were Watching God I hope that you are reflecting not only on the novel, but on your own sense of self. Janie is on an incredible journey - and so are you!
So, I ask, who are you? Do you have a sense of self? I do...

A Reminder...

When this semester first began I presented a lesson that I hoped conveyed the idea that I want my students to take some extra time to really, truly see, or to dig deeper to find meaning in texts, images, or film. I would like for all of my students to continue this quest to expand your minds during the next quarter. Here is an image that should remind you of these goals -

End of the quarter...

In many ways I enjoy the end of the quarter. I get some extra time during planning days to work on new lessons or just tie up loose ends that have been hanging on for the past several weeks. My students get a couple of days to relax (which is more beneficial for your teachers than you know). Mid-terms help me assess how specific units went, who is learning what, and how I can improve.
But then there are the negatives of the end of the quarter - grades. In education grades are both wonderful and awful. As much as we would love for our students to forget about grades and focus on real learning, we as teachers make this hard when we complain about low grades and how detrimental they can be. Unfortunately, I don't know a better alternative to grades. I have been trying to come up with one for years, but few options seem feasible.
So at the end of the quarter I am innudated with grade questions and issues. I try to look on the bright side - a new quarter, a new beginning - but it often becomes overshadowed with the complaints and the frantic quest for last minute improvements to grades.
I will be happy to begin next week - out with the old, in with the new!

A Blogging Kind of Day

Today is one of those days that reminds me how much I enjoy teaching. During my first two classes my students created their own blogs. Although it was a little hectic when some kids got impatient with the website or when a piece of technology was just not working the way it should, at the end of the class most students were all smiles. Sometimes I don't think they even realize that they are showing some kind of positive emotion - I am sure that they would be appalled if caught smiling during a "school activity." :) (kidding, kidding)

My intentions for incorporating blogging into my classes were mostly academic - blogging will help my students work on their writing, communication skills, and critical thinking skills. But as I watched the kids create their blogs I realized that this is one of those activities, one of those moments, when I am truly giving my students the proverbial "key to the world." Could they have done this on their own? Yes. Would they have done this on their own? Some might. But for the majority of my students, today presented an opportunity for them to take their ideas and present them on a world stage. I feel honored to have been a part of this experience.

Now I know that any student reading this is saying to themselves, "Wow, this lady is nuts! We just created a simple blog." Although they may be right with the first statement (sometimes I think I am nuts too) they are so wrong with the second statement. To be able to share your ideas and dreams with the world is an opportunity that was only available to a select few only twenty years ago. Today my students opened the door to the world..I hope they enjoy the journey.

Watch Out For ZOMBIES!

I am a new viewer of Common Craft videos, but the few pieces that I have seen, I enjoy. You all know my love of Halloween! I just could not pass up the chance to share this zombie video with everyone.

To be or not to be...depressed

Yesterday one of my students asked a question that completely stumped me.  He asked if we will ever read anything "happy" in my English class.  First I was dumbfounded, then I was frustrated, then I was just saddened that my answer had to be "no."  Most great literature is anything but "happy."  Sure, there may be a "happy" ending, but that usually comes after pages and pages of conflict, and depressing characters or situations.  

This question plagued my mind all day.  Why are most pieces of great literature somber?  It is because many of the writers were unhappy?  Is it because writing addresses the issues of the world and most of them are unpleasant?  Is it because humans have a tendency to embrace "sadness" and look at "happiness" as an elusive dream?  

So now I am on a new quest - to find a piece of great literature that is "happy."  Any suggestions?

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world is changing before our eyes?  I have seen this video many times, and I feel that it expresses this change in ways that are both powerful and effective.  Please view the video and share your reactions.    

Is lack of passion a form of passion?

Today in class, I asked my students if there is anything that they would be willing to dedicate their lives to. Is there anything they are passionate about? Not one student was able to answer the question. Not one student was able to identify anything in their lives that drives them.   I was saddened to look upon a sea of students who were, for lack of a better word, boring.

But then I decided to view the situation differently.  Perhaps my students are just so tired of hearing about all of the things they should be interested in.  Perhaps my students are feeling overloaded with information and as a result cannot choose one thing that drives them.  Or perhaps, my students are passionate about not being passionate.  

I would like to hope that my students find something to fight for, something to drive them in the future...

A Discovery!

I am always amazed when I find a "new" writer that I enjoy.  I guess that I should not be so surprised considering just how many writers' works are housed in a place as tiny as a local bookstore.  I also should not be amazed because I know I have read only an iota of what is out there.  But, still, I am amazed...

This writer has been around for a long time.  He is pretty popular, has written many pieces, and unfortunately is now dead.  But, for me, he is "new."  His name is David Foster Wallace.

I was turned on to his writing after reading this short quote from a commencement speech: "Learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think.  It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience.  Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed."  The quote struck me as one of the most honest things I have read in a long time.  Educators always tell their students that they learn a plethora of information because we are "teaching them how to think."  But, I think Wallace said it better than any of us.  Learning to control what you think is the real goal.  

Are you able to control what you think?

So, I went out and bought one of his books.  I am intrigued to read more about what he has to say about life.  If it is as sincere as the above quote I think I am hooked.

If you would like to learn more about Wallace check out this Wikipedia page.

10/4/08

Although I was over joyed by the amount of students that chose to watch the Vice Presidential debates on Thursday, I was also surprised that the numbers were significantly higher in my 10th grade class.  I would expect my "savvy" 11th graders to pay more attention to the affairs of the world.  Not only did more of my 10th graders watch the debates, but they also came in to class analyzing the debates using rhetorical styles (ethos, logos, pathos)!  I was so proud!

So, 11th graders, I think you have some competition.

10/3/08

I love this time of year! Since I do not measure the year as most people do - mine starts in August/September - the "beginning" always seems more pleasant than the end. I think in my students' minds the beginning of the school year is awful, but overall they seem to be more stressed at the end of the year, especially 11th graders. When my students are stressed, they are unpleasant, which in turn, makes me unpleasant. So, the beginning of the year is my happy place.

Plus, Halloween is soon. I adore Halloween! The magic and mystery surrounding this time of year has always intrigued me and Halloween is the celebration of all things mysterious.

And I get a carve a pumpkin - really, how cool is that?