Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see in the making all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals. — Don Delillo
This morning when I awoke, I realized the hole in my heart was more at peace than it has been. I believe part of the reason is because I have taken the time to write about Nate and have shared those words with others.
Too often we push away the things that hurt. We brush them under the rug, shove them into a dark corner, and tie them up in the bottom of a drawer. Our classrooms are filled with children who are hurting. Although I’m not an advocate for making writing workshop a therapy session; I do believe one of the truths about writing is it helps us to heal.
In a world where people avoid the things that make them hurt, we have an opportunity to teach students the healing power of writing. This is part of making writing workshop genuine and responsive to the needs of our students. This isn’t a lesson we will be able to “schedule ahead” in our lesson plan books; however, it is one we can be prepared to give when tragedy strikes.
Excellent synopsis of education in Finland and the course it has taken. I'm always interested in learning about how they teach in Finland as it is one of the world's most literate countries
Very interesting article. I am always wondering what the future will bring. What I love about Khan's approach is that he teachers in ten minute increments. I SOOOOOO believe in less is more.
I think this is a cool idea-- especially if students want to learn about something but don't want to take a course. I loved philosophy and would learn more if I could but could not add on a third major. For me, I would love to learn about it on my own. My concern is that he is teaching the wrong content. It would be important to follow up to clarify any mistakes by either editing the same video or providing an additional video.
I know what you're saying about correct content, but as someone interested in philosophy, i ask, What is correct? I know he does a lot of math/science stuff, I guess that is a bit more black and white but when you are presenting theory, so much is left to the interpretation of the instructor. As I meet and talk to more and more fresh graduates of education programs, I am left asking myself the same questions that the critics are posing of this guy--what is the quality and correctness of content they are receiving? Some are very blessed to receive thorough, up-to-date information. Others, not so much. I guess when it comes to teaching and learning, it's a lot like gathering information on the web--you have to know the quality of the source.
Delayed response, but -- as for content, I mean getting a specific philosopher's ideas straight-- if the guy said that Rousseau wanted slavery, I'd just shut him off. That's what I meant by content. If he were to be presenting math/science as he is, he should just make it clear that he has a follow-up video to clarify any misinformed/unclear previous videos.
In these days of "grade level complex text" it will become increasingly important for us as teachers to key into lexile level. This site makes it easy for teachers in NYState to find grade level appropriate articles for virtually anything they teach.
Hats off to PS 142 in NYC for taking an innovative approach to reading instruction: building background knoweledge through city field trips to the parking meter and parking garage. This investment promises to pay huge dividends in the future!
THis is a great introductory video for using google docs and understanding the possibilities for using it. Definitely will use in my Teaching in the 21st Century presentation.
Just ordered this from Amazon. In this fast-moving technological world, it looks like a hoot!
And on another note, I love the idea of using book trailers to generate interest and enthusiasm for reading!
Looks like this was a site put together by school in AZ to support teachers in movement toward balanced literacy instruction. Very informative with good resources.
Interesting. It seems intuitive to me that if kids aren't reading that we should give them an entree by valuing their choices but lots of people need studies to believe in it.
TED Talks Developmental disorders in children are typically diagnosed by observing behavior, but Aditi Shankardass knew that we should be looking directly at their brains. She explains how a remarkable EEG device has revealed mistaken diagnoses and transformed children's lives. This is fascinating!!!!
Research or teach? Calls into question a problem plaguing our university systems. What will we produce if the people teaching college students aren't invested in doing so?